The system has been designed so that there is complete duplication and redundancy for all critical components, providing an extra margin of safety. A ship can be monitored and controlled from one centralised bridge command station with a uniform user interface for all integrated systems. Additional command stations can be installed on various other positions throughout the ship such as engine control room or bridge wing. UniMACS 3000 has been designed with the operator in mind. It is task orientated, with a modular expandable and open system architecture, which offers functional integration rather than physical installation of existing equipment.
Digital integration allows navigation, machinery and auxiliary functions to be carried out.
Machinery management functions include a basic system for alarm monitoring and control with functions such as electrical power management, propulsion control, tank gauging, bilge and ballast control and fire detection and fighting. Among the auxiliary management functions are reefer monitoring, administration, hull stress monitoring, internal and external communications and voyage data recorder. The bridge layout can be configured with three operator positions. A third offers manual and emergency control. Two years after the introduction of the IBS Bridge Control Raytheon Marine has completed the installation of some 43 systems.