ONEXP, a Dutch boutique company founded in 2014 by Arjan Kleinveld and André Klepper, is redefining the landscape of AV/IT integration within the superyacht sector. Specialising in seamless project execution, advanced testing, and exceptional client support, ONEXP has quickly established itself as a trusted AV/IT partner in new build delivery and refits. The company offers bespoke project realisation and product development, blending technical expertise with a personalised approach that sets it apart.
Bas Nuijten, Chief Operations Officer at ONEXP, shares insights into the company’s unique approach, the challenges faced in ensuring smooth project delivery, and the future of AV/IT on yachts.
What distinguishes ONEXP from other AV/IT integrators in the superyacht industry, and how does your pre-commissioning testing process ensure smoother project completion?
Despite being relatively new to the field, ONEXP has quickly found its niche and made significant inroads. The core difference lies in our approach to projects and the dedicated team behind our operations. We prioritise client satisfaction throughout the entire process, from designing the AV/IT systems to supporting the first voyage of the yacht.
For instance, during initial trips, we ensure that our technicians are either onboard or on standby nearby, providing reassurance and immediate support if needed. This proactive stance not only instils confidence in our clients but also enhances the reliability of our service.
Moreover, a decade ago, when ONEXP was created, we've revolutionised the traditional sequencing in yacht building by advancing many tasks that were previously left until the end. Unlike the traditional approach, where Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) were limited to basic demonstrations, we now pre-commission an entire yacht up to 80% completion before the FAT stage. This methodical approach allows the Owner’s Team and anyone involved to test the system, ask for edits, and requests any new requirements. For instance, in our Rotterdam test room, we currently pre-installed 25 equipment racks and 60 TVs, with each tablet configured for its specific room.
Our innovative approach ensures both consistency and quality. By configuring all TVs and systems in a controlled environment, we can promptly identify and resolve issues, allowing any problem in one cabin to be swiftly rectified across all cabins prior to installation. It curtails the need for last-minute installations and troubleshooting at sea, which traditionally placed AV/IT as a bottleneck.
By redefining when and how work is executed, ONEXP not only enhances installation efficiency but also ensures seamless integration of third-party systems such as lighting, blinds, and HVAC, all handled onboard. This approach allows us to minimise onboard time during peak periods at the shipyard while maintaining a highly efficient and professional presence to perfect the final details. This strategy has led to client satisfaction and positive feedback. At the end of a project, we have been complimented on our small rest points and how hard we try to fix them.
ONEXP offers a comprehensive 24/7 support service. How does this commitment to aftercare enhance the experience for both owners and crew?
ONEXP's 24/7 support is an integral part of our service philosophy. It's standard practice for us. We always have someone available on standby to assist via phone. The passion of our team is also evident in their proactive engagement. For example, there is frequent WhatsApp communication over the weekends between our AV/IT engineers and the yacht crews.
During the ultimate handover phase, we ensure the crew is empowered to implement modifications autonomously, granting them seamless control over the system with ease. We deem it essential that they feel entirely self-assured in making real-time adjustments, all while ONEXP stays readily accessible for remote assistance.
This level of support ensures a seamless and personalised experience, enhancing satisfaction for both owners and crew. It’s not just about resolving issues; it’s about enriching the onboard experience and creating an entirely new level of comfort. This commitment allows owners and guests to take pride in a system that is not only stress-free but also highly reliable. ONEXP consistently goes the extra mile to ensure everyone’s satisfaction.
What does “boutique manufacturing” mean in practice at ONEXP, and how does it contribute to your overall success and client satisfaction?
‘Boutique manufacturing' at ONEXP embodies a commitment to quality and customer-centric approach, starting from the installation stage. Our concept, improved in the past years, not only boosts the aesthetic and functional aspects of engineering but also covers thorough configuration and comprehensive documentation to facilitate an optimal client experience. It demonstrates that a meticulously executed initial design can result in time savings over the long term.
ONEXP is committed to delivering high-quality projects at competitive prices, consistently meeting client expectations. In complex systems with thousands of components, occasional failures are inevitable. However, ONEXP’s true value lies in its preparedness and rapid response. Through meticulous documentation and proactive contingency planning, issues are swiftly resolved, minimising downtime and preserving the seamless experience we promise. Additionally, YachtCloud’s OMNIYON system, which we install, equips the crew with an intuitive and configurable interface, enabling independent troubleshooting and real-time adjustments, thanks to its design that eliminates the need for coding or programming.
What are the most common challenges you face, and how do you address them to ensure a smooth transition for the crew and owner?
During FAT, ONEXP often encounters situations where, during system reviews, clients realise they want changes, such as a special cinema mode. This can present challenges as it requires significant alterations at a late stage. To mitigate this, we advocate involvement in the AV/IT design process. By engaging with owner’s representatives or shipyard officials a year and a half before delivery, we capitalise on a period when they are less busy and more open to detailed discussions about the system’s configuration. This proactive approach not only facilitates thoughtful input but also allows for the integration of customised features. For instance, during a past project, early discussions with the owner’s representative revealed that the owner was a massive fan of karaoke. We were able to swiftly adapt our plans by adding a state-of-the-art microphone and karaoke system, which proved to be a huge success. Integrating this feature well ahead of the final phase saved time and ensured that when the owner first stepped onboard, this personalised element, long desired, would pleasantly surprise him.
Given your experience with refits, what is the most important thing to keep in mind when upgrading existing systems to ensure the needs of both the owner and the crew are met?
At ONEXP, we apply the same stringent approach to our new builds as we do to refits, focusing on quality, client needs, and reliability. All products are fully configured and tested in our office by our AV/IT engineers. This meticulous preparation reduces onboard installation time from three months to just two weeks for pre-commissioning, saving time, money, and minimising onboard disruption.
We take pride in delivering high-end AV/IT solutions designed to enhance the onboard experience for yacht owners, guests, and crew. Our mission has always been to create an intuitive system, eliminating unnecessary complexity and ensuring effortless entertainment and control.
One of the most frequent challenges in the yachting industry is the frustration caused by outdated onboard technology. A prime example, one of our last refit project was a yacht equipped with a media system that had not been updated in over a decade. What should be a simple action, turning on the TV or selecting a film, quickly became an inconvenient and time-consuming process for both owner and crew.
At ONEXP, we specialise in transforming such intricate systems into intuitive, user-friendly experiences. In this particular case, our team stepped in to modernise the setup, ensuring that both owners and crew could navigate it effortlessly. This is where our expertise shines, through meticulous attention to detail, rigorous pre-planning, and seamless integration. Every refinement, from minor adjustments to major upgrades, is thoroughly tested to deliver a flawless onboard experience, making even the most complex systems feel effortless to use.
Looking ahead, we are working on a project that would emphasise our will to be as transparent as possible with a new tool for shipyards, Owners Rep and Consultants, coming soon.
Read the article on Superyacht Times website here.
