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As information technology rapidly evolves, the volume of data being generated is growing at an extraordinary pace, with some estimates suggesting that the “size of the Internet doubles about every 2 years.”
Asset management is no exception. New technologies are making it easier than ever to access detailed information about assets – but only if organisations are ready to capture that data, and know how to use it.
Yet when it comes to inspections, many teams still rely heavily on manual processes.
People travelling to sites to check for defects. People reacting to failures as they occur. People capturing and processing data at the pace human capacity allows.
It’s time and effort that could often be better spent elsewhere.
Why traditional methods persist
A common reason for this, beyond a natural resistance to change, is the sheer volume of data now available. For asset managers, the real challenge often lies not in collecting the data, but in “organising, synchronising, visualising and interpreting data into information and knowledge.”
This challenge is ongoing. Many teams are still searching for ways to unlock the full value of their captured data in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.
Compounding this is the emergence of a “risk-based approach to managing assets” over the last decade, which has resulted in a tendency to stick to ‘the way things have always been done’, as opposed to venturing into new and potentially more advanced practices.
A recent Energy & Resources Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Benchmark Survey undertaken by Deloitte revealed that 95% of participants had fully or partially integrated risk management into their asset management processes — with the remaining 5% planning to do so soon.
At the same time, ongoing pressure to reduce costs, manage tighter budgets, and cope with workforce shortages leaves many organisations feeling they don’t have the time or resources to implement better systems — even if those systems could deliver significant long-term value.
That’s exactly where Trendspek comes in.
How Trendspek fits in
Our platform is built to help asset managers, owners and engineers capture and use data to its full potential. It’s a smarter, digital-first way to harness vast volumes of information — transforming it into interactive insights that are safer, faster, and more reliable.
While many forward-thinking businesses are already adopting Trendspek to maximise their data and free up their people, the same operational pressures mentioned above will continue to shape how quickly this shift takes place.
At the end of the day, whether you’re exploring new solutions or trying to justify sticking with old ones, it often comes down to a simple equation: what will this cost me, and is it worth it?
But when conducting your cost/benefit analysis, don’t just consider the cost of change. Consider the cost of doing nothing, and what that might mean for your assets, your people, and your future.
The Cost Analysis
Implementing any new technology — whether it’s a system, software or application — requires investment. There's the upfront effort to get things up and running, plus ongoing support and maintenance.
But when the benefit equals or outweighs the cost, that investment can deliver serious returns.
In most cases, the cost of upgrading depends on the scale of change — how many people, systems, and processes will be affected, and to what extent?
Often, the first cost you'll encounter is research, especially when change is driven by a recognised challenge or failure in an existing process.
This is a resource cost where someone in your team needs to do the legwork. They’ll need to explore available solutions, compare platforms, assess pricing, and evaluate how each tool aligns with your goals.
In many cases, this project lead will also need to consult with your internal (or external) IT and cybersecurity teams to confirm the platform fits with your existing infrastructure, what integrations are available, and whether any risks need to be addressed.
Then comes implementation. This typically involves a mix of setup fees from the software provider or a third-party partner (for example, many CRMs rely on external implementers), plus internal time and resources to coordinate rollout.
Training and onboarding is the next, and arguably most important, investment.
Without it, your people won’t use the platform effectively, and the ROI of the entire investment may never be realised. And like most modern software, ongoing subscription costs — monthly or annual — also need to be factored in.
The cost of doing nothing
But the real question isn’t just what it will cost to adopt a new solution.
You also need to ask yourself: "What is the cost of standing still?"
Relying solely on manual inspections, especially for routine or emergency scenarios, costs your business time and money. It drives up operating costs and can significantly increase long-term maintenance spend.
In many cases, this dependence on people means fewer inspections overall — constrained by availability, budgets, and capacity. That can reduce your asset’s lifespan, lower its ROI, and increase the risk of undetected issues escalating into major failures.
In fact, across our own client base, we’ve seen Trendspek’s approach not only improve safety and visibility, but in many instances, cost less than traditional inspection methods. Especially compared to rope-access technicians scaling asset facades to take manual photos.
So, ask yourself: "What will it cost to upgrade today?"
But more importantly: "What will it cost if I don’t?"
The Benefits Analysis
Updating your asset inspection approach offers significant advantages — and case studies show these benefits consistently outweigh the associated costs.
More data, more context
“Asset information can be seen as a very valuable resource for asset owners, asset managers and service providers, in order to make better decisions.”
Yet traditional inspection methods limit both the volume of data captured and the context in which it can be understood.
Take defect photos, for example. Conventional inspections may provide isolated images with little or no indication of where that defect sits on the overall structure. In contrast, modern capture methods deliver a full 3D model of the asset, allowing teams to zoom in on specific defects while maintaining full spatial context.
Fewer people onsite, fewer safety risks
By adopting digital inspection methods, teams can rely on richer data to make better decisions — while reducing the need for personnel to be physically present onsite.
This means less exposure to risk, fewer site visits, and in many cases, no need to work at heights. It also frees up staff to focus on more technical, high-value tasks.
This isn’t theory — it’s already happening.
Greater insights, smarter planning
Digital models don’t just improve inspections — they lay the groundwork for smarter asset planning.
With in-model markups, trend tracking, and the ability to compare asset conditions across multiple captures over time, asset managers gain clearer insight into defect progression and maintenance needs.
That means better forecasting, reduced downtime, lower costs, and ultimately, greater return on investment.
Improved detail, increased accuracy
A common concern with shifting to digital methods is whether accuracy will suffer.
Can a drone capture and digital model really replace hands-on, in-person measurements?
In many cases, the answer is yes, and they can be even more accurate.
On-site inspections are prone to human error. Measurement quality can be impacted by the angle of view, access restrictions, or even just manual technique.
By contrast, Trendspek’s models are millimetre accurate. Inspectors can zoom in, set exact start and end points, and let the platform calculate precise measurements, all without the variables that come with being in the field.
Adapt in an Industry that's evolving
At Trendspek, one of our core values is honesty — so let’s be upfront: updating your inspection approach may not be the right move today for every business. Financial readiness, staff capacity, and internal systems all play a role.
But what’s clear from even a simple cost/benefit review is that evolving your approach will be critical for any business aiming to improve accuracy, drive efficiency, boost productivity, enhance safety, and reduce risk.
Ready to learn more?
Get in touch with us today.
