Project Overview
At the heart of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, TOTE Services is leading the charge as Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) for a groundbreaking fleet of five state-of-the-art training ships. Located at Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI) in Philadelphia, this ambitious project is redefining how government shipbuilding is managed—leveraging commercial best practices to deliver on time and on budget. The NSMVs are not only training platforms for future mariners but also vital national assets for disaster response.
NSMV IV Lone Star State at Hanwha Philly Shipyard
The Challenge: Outdated, Manual Processes
Before Fieldwire, TOTE’s inspection and punch list workflows were a patchwork of manual processes—email notifications, Excel spreadsheets, pen-and-paper forms, and endless file management on SharePoint. Inspectors would spend hours updating spreadsheets, printing documents, and manually compiling reports. Warranty tracking was equally cumbersome, relying on email threads and spreadsheets that made it difficult to monitor claims or generate reports.
TOTE Services team tracking production progress using Fieldwire Tasks
Why Fieldwire?
TOTE Services was introduced to Fieldwire through an industry partner, who initially used it for viewing digital plans. Recognizing the potential, TOTE Services expanded Fieldwire’s use to include inspection callouts, punch lists, warranty tracking, and more. The decision was driven by several key needs:
- Centralized, real-time task management
- Easy-to-use interface for rapid onboarding
- Robust offline capabilities for locations without cell phone connectivity including sea trials
- Seamless collaboration with shipyard partners and subcontractors
Referencing Fieldwire tasks onsite
Implementation: Fast, Flexible, and User-Friendly
Fieldwire’s rollout was swift—just a few Teams calls and a three-week trial period were all it took for TOTE Services to move inspection documentation and reporting exclusively onto the platform. New projects can now be implemented in Fieldwire within a week. The intuitive interface meant that even interns and new hires could get up to speed in a day.
The Impact: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Real Results
Fieldwire has transformed TOTE Services’ operations:
- 75% reduction in manual work for inspection and warranty tracking
- 50% reduction in open punch list items prior to delivery
- 8 hours per inspector saved each week on inspection reporting
- Real-time data and reporting for presentations and customer updates
- Minimized human error thanks to digital task tracking and documentation
All correspondence tracked in Fieldwire
Beyond the Basics: Tracking Progress and Driving Accountability
TOTE Services uses Fieldwire for more than just inspections and punch lists. The Cabin Tracker and Tank Tracker projects have made it easy to monitor key milestones—like the installation of 205 cabins per ship and critical tank completions. This visibility helps TOTE Services stay ahead of schedule and provides MARAD with clear, consistent updates.
Cabin Factory – Prefabricated ship cabins ready for installation
Fieldwire in the Field: Built for the Way TOTE Works
With Fieldwire, TOTE’s team can access drawings, specifications, and task lists anywhere—even without internet access during sea trials. The platform’s simplicity and reliability empower TOTE Services to run lean, efficient operations:
View of the shipyard
A Model for Modern Shipbuilding
By embracing Fieldwire, TOTE Services has set a new standard for efficiency, transparency, and innovation in government shipbuilding. The result is a faster, more accurate, and more collaborative process—one that delivers real value to MARAD, the shipyard, and the next generation of U.S. mariners.
