Drones

eight methods to optimize drone asset inspections

Sponsored content. Leading drone data management company Optelos has helped many drone service providers and corporate companies get the most out of their drone asset inspections. In a new whitepaper, Optelos summarizes the experiences of its corporate customers. Check out the entire Optimizing Asset Inspections: Going Beyond Drone Images to Achieve Real Results whitepaper for a deeper dive.

Drone asset inspections are gaining in importance: However, many stakeholders still need to be convinced of the profitability compared to conventional asset inspection methods. Optimizing facility inspections requires going beyond providing drone imagery to provide digital data that can be used across the enterprise for better insights and cost savings. We have compiled eight practical experiences so that you can offer your customers and stakeholders the best and most valuable inspection product.

  • Thinking Ahead: Start with good data management

Too often, data management is implemented after implementing a drone asset inspection program. Start with a robust data management platform that supports collaboration, supports multiple data sources, and integrates with analytical tools to ensure everyone gets the maximum benefit from the program.

Start with a clear understanding of what your stakeholders want to achieve with a drone asset inspection program. Use the measurement mechanisms to ensure a system of continuous improvement. Drone facility inspections can offer benefits beyond occupational safety: benefits such as better maintenance programs, contributions to future development plans, and real and measurable cost savings.

  • Collection of data: sensors and methods

How data is collected is just as important as what data is collected. Which flight plan is suitable for the asset? Using the optimal flight path and technique based on the asset type, whether a vertical asset like a flare stack or a horizontal asset like a pipeline, will produce optimal results.

The choice of sensor is also crucial. Images need to be captured with a high-resolution camera with a sufficiently high density to allow detailed inspections, regardless of whether they are AI-assisted or visual inspections.

  • The best data for the job

Professional plant inspections involve much more than simple pictures. Depending on the system, thermal images, videos, orthomosaic maps or 3D models can provide the most useful data. Decide on the right data type right from the start: so that you can apply the data analysis that is right for the job.

After you have determined the best shape for your digital data, consider the right data analysis methods for your goals. How will stakeholders recognize changes over time? Can interesting areas or errors be measured accurately? 3D models or digital twins, for example, enable precise measurements: 2D othomosaic maps enable detailed mapping of larger geographic areas and support the detection of changes in altitude and overlap of vegetation.

  • Provision of details: Geolocation of detailed images and other data sources directly in a digital twin

To make the best decisions, customers need to be sure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information about a plant. Ultimately, the best results are achieved when multiple data sources – repair history, engineering drawings, service reports, and more – can be correlated and assigned to a particular asset.

  • Automation of the process with AI

AI and machine learning are more than just industry buzzwords. When there is a large amount of images to process, AI can automate the process of error detection, and currently available tools make AI accessible to businesses of all sizes.

  • Integration into the workflow

An inspection is just one step in the maintenance process. To optimize the usefulness of drone asset inspections, integrate dispatch or trouble ticketing into the overall workflow so that field workers can react quickly to problems identified during the analysis.

Drone images are only the first part of drone asset inspections. The right system and tools can revolutionize asset inspections and create a digital model that can be used across the enterprise to improve occupational safety, develop better maintenance programs, and reduce costs. For much in-depth information on best practices, sensor selection, data analysis types, and more, read the full whitepaper here – and contact us today for a free demonstration of the Optelos system and how you can optimize drone asset inspections for your stakeholders .

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