Digital Infrastructure Inspection Industry Shows Exponential Growth
The digital infrastructure inspection industry is experiencing growth driven by the need for more efficient, accurate, cost-effective solutions to inspect critical infrastructure.
The market is expected to grow significantly in response to the increasing complexity of modern infrastructure systems and the importance of maintaining them to ensure safety and functionality.
Despite the benefits, some asset owners are hesitant about moving toward a digital workflow. Let’s address some common objections and challenges that we typically see, such as industry readiness, feasibility concerns, resistance to changing traditional workflows, and costs. Understanding these challenges is essential for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Addressing Key Objections for the Infrastructure Inspection Industry
At gNext, we understand how much effort goes into establishing and implementing processes and workflows. It makes sense to hesitate, compare, and determine the time, effort, and costs associated with switching to a more digitized workflow. Let’s explore some of the common barriers we see to transitioning to digital inspections.
Readiness of the Infrastructure Inspection Industry
Adopting digital twins and drone-based inspections is part of the growth transition towards advanced technologies in infrastructure inspections. Case studies showcasing successful integrations of digital twins in various sectors highlight the practicality and efficiency gains of these innovative approaches.
Based on these insights, it is evident that the growing demand for high-grade digital services, coupled with the increasing adoption of cloud services and advancements in technology, is driving the readiness to move towards digital twins. Overall, the projected growth in the global digital infrastructure market and successful case studies supporting the adoption of digital twins indicate that the industry is prepared for this transition.
To assist with industry readiness, gNext’s technologically advanced platform is built to process high-quality models of critical infrastructure. Asset owners can process data automatically with 40+ pre-defined asset types—no photogrammetry skills required.
Feasibility of Infrastructure Inspection via Digital Solutions
Digitizing infrastructure inspections will streamline the overall inspection process. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that fixing our society’s degrading infrastructure will cost more than $4.5 trillion. Manual inspections pose many difficulties that digital methods can assist with.
Transitioning from manual digital infrastructure inspection can have many benefits that enhance your organization’s efficiency and overall performance, including:
- Resource Savings
- Time Savings
- Increased Safety
- One Centralized Hub of Information
- Zero Downtime or Revenue Loss
- Streamlined Workflows
- Remote Viewing
- Advanced Reporting and Reporting Capabilities
Digital infrastructure solutions like gNext offer unparalleled capabilities that traditional methods cannot match. Benefits include high-resolution imaging that allows for detailed analyses of AI-driven predictive maintenance models that can foresee potential failures before they occur.
Digital infrastructure inspections with gNext enhance operational efficiency and decision-making processes and can allow you to perform inspections up to five times faster than traditional methods.
Resistance to Change of Workflows
According to Drone Industry Insights, the global digital twin market is expected to be worth USD 110.1 billion by 2028 and grow at a CAGR of 61.3% during the forecast period.
Despite the market shift, many people are hesitant to change their approach if it’s been going well. We understand the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But this mindset can also make you more likely to miss opportunities for improvement.
In an era where technological advancements rapidly redefine what’s possible, complacency can become a liability. Embracing new workflows means keeping pace with current standards and leveraging innovation for improved outcomes—a necessity in today’s competitive environment.
The gNext Platform empowers teams to streamline their workflows by automatically detecting defects in concrete structures with AI InspectAssist™. Our platform can find 20-30% more defects than traditional inspection methods. These benefits can assist in a seamless transition to a digital infrastructure inspection workflow.
Digital Infrastructure Inspection Cost Concerns
Cost concerns are an important consideration when adopting any new technology. However, focusing solely on costs overlooks the substantial ROI digital inspection methods deliver over time. Compared to traditional manual inspections, the costs associated with digital inspections are significantly lower.
“Many organizations hesitate to embrace digital inspections because of concerns about costs. But, when you consider factors such as drone purchasing, employee flight training, and drone processing software, you’ll find that these expenses are still just a fraction of what most traditional inspections cost.” Russ Ellis, President at gNext.
The value of switching to digital infrastructure inspection is evident when cost-benefit analyses show long-term savings, such as reduced downtime from predictive maintenance. Operational efficiencies gained through digital infrastructure inspections often result in cost savings that far outweigh initial investments. With gNext, organizations can save up to 60% of the cost and time of inspection, meaning you can perform almost twice as many inspections for the same budget.
Take the AASHTO special report for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MI DOT) as an example. The cost comparison research on drones and manual inspection revealed the potential for 74% cost savings using digital means, such as drones.
Leveraging Industry Trends and Data for Infrastructure Inspection
The exponential growth in digital infrastructure inspection is tied to society’s increasing reliance on digital services. Entities across all sectors, from small organizations to global businesses, are integrating digital technology into their core operations.
The growth can be tied to the increasing demand for high-quality digital services. Organizations continue investing in cloud services because they provide a sustainable alternative to building expensive proprietary infrastructures.
Despite this, cybersecurity threats remain. As businesses become more reliant on digital means for their operations, they can also become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
At gNext, data security is paramount to safeguarding your valuable assets. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that protect your business from evolving cyber threats. With our cutting-edge technologies and proactive approach, you can rest assured that your organization’s digital infrastructure remains secure.
By staying attuned to these trends and recognizing the urgency of adopting modern inspection methods, companies can position themselves advantageously within a competitive landscape that values innovation and efficiency above all.
The Future of Infrastructure Inspection Lies in Going Digital
Transitioning toward digital infrastructure inspection methods presents multiple advantages. Industry readiness is evident through high adoption rates and successful case studies; feasibility is proven through enhanced capabilities; resistance can be overcome by focusing on the benefits; and cost concerns can be mitigated by showcasing long-term value creation.
Embracing the switch to digital infrastructure inspection is about leading an era of rapid technological advancement while ensuring our society’s infrastructure is properly maintained. At gNext, we aim to innovate within this space and empower others to realize their potential by adopting these transformative solutions.
Read our Helios Case Study to learn about their journey through adopting digital infrastructure inspection methods.
