Blessey Marine Services Inc., Elmwood, La., will implement OpenTug’s BargeOS Invoice Intelligence platform to automate voyage invoicing and shorten customer billing cycles, the companies announced Aug. 12.
The software will connect Blessey’s voyage activity, operational data, contracts, vendor expenses and financial records in a single billing workflow. The companies said the system will allow Blessey to process voyage costs in near real time and improve the speed and accuracy of voyage closeout.
BargeOS Invoice Intelligence uses artificial intelligence to capture, match, validate and reconcile vendor invoices against voyage activity, contracts and operational records. The platform is intended to reduce manual processing and provide greater visibility into voyage costs and customer invoices.
“Our goal is to continuously improve the way we serve our customers while creating efficiencies across our operations,” said Chris Estep, chief operating officer of Blessey Marine. “By partnering with OpenTug, we are investing in technology that will improve invoice accuracy, accelerate billing timelines, and provide greater transparency throughout the voyage lifecycle.”
The implementation will also incorporate historical data analysis, contract management and live operational data as Blessey works to connect voyage execution with financial closeout.
“Accurate, timely financial information starts with accurate operational information,” said Jason Aristides, CEO and co-founder of OpenTug. “By connecting voyage activity, contracts, vendor invoices, and operational data in a single workflow, Blessey will reduce manual effort, accelerate billing, and give both its team and its customers greater confidence in every invoice.”
The companies said the system could provide a foundation for additional technology deployments across Blessey’s marine transportation operations.
