IHM Relevancy Methodology
How the IHM Categorization Tool determines whether a supplier order item warrants IHM documentation follow-up — and what each output label means.
What the screening considers
Each item description is assessed against a combination of evaluation criteria to deliver a categorisation.
Product / Order Item category and function
The item description is assessed for indications if it falls under specifically mentioned categories for IHM-Maintenance as per EU Regulation 1257/2013 or Hong Kong Convention, namely: coatings, batteries, cables, structural components, insulation, electrical equipment etc. and requires IHM documentation. In contrast consumables, software, many services and stationary goods typically do not.
Supplier name & product types
Where the supplier name is recognisable in context, this is used as a supplementary signal. A supplier known to sell heavy machinery is treated differently from one known to supply stationery, consumables, OEM-parts or services. This addition increases result quality further.
Specificity and ambiguity
A highly-specific description allows a more confident classification. A vague or abbreviated description (e.g. "spare parts", "hardware") may result in more REQUIRES HUMAN REVIEW labels.
Context & installation likelihood
An item likely to become part of the ship's structure or permanently installed equipment has a higher chance of requiring documentation than a short-term consumable.
What each label means
Applied when the item description indicates a meaningful probability that it is not excluded via the applicable rules and regulations. These items require supplier documentation and need to be requested (SDoC or MD).
Applied when the item description clearly indicates a product falling under any of the applicable exclusions like consumables, identical replacement, household-like products, etc. Supplier documentation is not required for these items as per IHM requirements.
Regulatory hazardous materials
Banned hazardous materials (Appendix 1 / Table A like asbestos, PCBs, ODS, etc.) are evaluated in regards to their likely presence and may result in classification as „ADDITIONAL“ for order items which would usually be classified as „not relevant“.
Expert assessment needed
Applied when the item description is not specific enough for confident automated classification, or when the item falls into a category where borderline cases are common. A competent expert for IHM-Maintenance reviews these items before any output is finalised.