Video-based remote inspections have been available in the market for years, but their potential remains largely untapped. As industries continue to explore digital transformation, video technology offers a powerful tool for conducting inspections without the need for onsite visits. However, two critical challenges often slow the adoption of remote inspections: (1) clearly defining the use case and its development path, and (2) ensuring the commitment of people involved in making the shift from onsite to remote inspections.
To fully capitalize on the benefits of remote inspections via video technology, it is essential to start with a well-defined use case. This means identifying where video inspections fit into your broader operational strategy. For instance, in what situations is video the right tool? Can triage be used to distinguish cases that are best handled with video from those that require traditional methods? What specific information is mandatory to collect during the video call to ensure the inspection meets compliance and operational standards?
Defining these parameters early on is key to creating a robust digital video inspection infrastructure. By understanding the exact circumstances where video works best, you can streamline the process and make the most efficient use of the technology.
Beyond defining the use case, successful implementation of remote video inspections requires buy-in from the people involved in the process. This means educating and training employees to perform video calls effectively. A slow start is often recommended, beginning with less challenging cases to build confidence and familiarity with the technology.
It’s also important to recognize the existing incentive structures that have been built around traditional inspection methods. In some cases, it may make sense to develop a dedicated remote inspection team to handle the majority of video inspections, rather than expecting everyone to adopt the new approach. This not only simplifies the training process but also ensures that the right people are focused on leveraging video technology effectively.
The good news is that video technology has evolved significantly, offering a range of features that enhance the inspection process. These include the ability to take high-quality images, record video, capture geo-location data, and even use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract information from documents or equipment during the call. Combined with guided questionnaires, these tools ensure a consistent and thorough collection of information, making video inspections just as effective as traditional onsite visits.
When starting small, video inspection workflows can be extended over time to include more advanced technology, such as AI. AI can analyze images or video footage to automatically extract additional insights, reducing the need for manual reviews and enhancing accuracy. For example, AI can help identify structural issues in buildings or equipment failures in real-time, allowing for quicker and more precise risk assessments.
Moreover, as video inspection workflows mature, pre-call workflows can be introduced to gather preliminary information. This allows the actual video call to be more focused, saving time and ensuring that all relevant data is already available before the inspection even begins.
At DLEGATE, we have a team with multi-year experience supporting clients with remote video inspections for many years, helping them optimize their operations with proven digital solutions. We guide organizations through the entire journey—from analyzing specific use cases to framing the solution in the right technology and implementing it step by step. Our experience ensures a smooth transition from traditional methods to remote inspections, with continuous adjustments as needed to meet evolving business requirements.
Whether you're looking to enhance your current operations or implement cutting-edge technologies like AI, DLEGATE is here to partner with you at every stage. We have the expertise and the tools to help you maximize the potential of video technology, streamlining your inspection processes and driving greater efficiency.