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The Covid-19 pandemic forced industries worldwide to adapt swiftly to the new normal, with many turning to virtual solutions to ensure continuity and safety. One significant shift that emerged during this period was the widespread adoption of virtual inspections. Initially implemented as a temporary solution to adhere to social distancing guidelines, virtual inspections have evolved into a more permanent practice across various industries.
In the early stages of the pandemic, traditional inspection processes faced significant challenges due to restrictions on physical interactions and travel. As a result, industries such as manufacturing, construction, and real estate turned to technology to facilitate inspections without compromising efficiency. Virtual inspections, conducted through video calls, live-streaming, and augmented reality tools, allowed professionals to remotely assess and evaluate assets, facilities, and projects.
The success and efficiency of virtual inspections during the pandemic prompted industries to recognize their long-term potential. The cost-effectiveness, time savings, and reduced need for travel associated with virtual inspections became evident advantages. As technology continued to advance, so did the capabilities of virtual inspection tools, enabling more accurate and detailed assessments. This transformation has led to a paradigm shift, with many organizations incorporating virtual inspections into their regular operations, even as pandemic-related restrictions eased.
Today, virtual and remote inspections are not only considered a response to a crisis but a strategic and sustainable solution for the future. Industries have realized the benefits of harnessing technology to streamline inspection processes, improve accessibility, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, 360° technology, and other cutting-edge technologies further enhances the accuracy and reliability of virtual inspections, making them a valuable asset in quality control, compliance, and risk management across diverse sectors. The journey from a temporary pandemic response to a permanent practice reflects the resilience and adaptability of industries in embracing innovative solutions to navigate challenging times and build a more robust future.
Top 5 Benefits of Virtual Inspections:
Virtual inspections offer a multitude of advantages that have reshaped the way industries approach assessment processes. From our experience working with companies across industries to implement such inspections, here are the top 5 virtual inspections benefits:
1. Substantial Cost Savings
By eliminating the need for travel, accommodations, and related expenses, organizations can allocate resources more efficiently. This not only reduces financial burdens but also enhances the overall economic sustainability of projects and operations.
According to Motus, a workforce management company based out of Boston, Massachusetts, the average domestic business trip costs about $1,300 per person, and the average international trip costs about double that.
These expenses come from:
airfare (34%)
lodging (28%)
meals (19%)
ground transportation (18%)
2. Time Efficiency
The streamlined nature of remote assessments allows inspectors to cover more ground in shorter time frames. The elimination of travel time and associated logistics translates to faster decision-making, accelerated project timelines, and heightened operational agility.
This temporal efficiency not only meets the demands of fast-paced industries but also fosters a proactive and responsive approach to evolving challenges.
3. Heightened Safety Measures
By minimizing or eliminating the need for physical presence in potentially hazardous environments, virtual inspections enhance safety for inspectors and other stakeholders. This is particularly crucial in industries where on-site inspections involve exposure to dangerous conditions.
The ability to conduct assessments remotely reduces the risk of accidents and ensures the well-being of inspection professionals.
4. Unparalleled Accessibility & Improved Collaboration
Virtual inspections provide unprecedented accessibility by overcoming geographical constraints and circumventing travel restrictions.
This breakthrough allow experts from various corners of the country or even the globe to actively participate in inspections without the necessity of physical presence. The expanded accessibility not only widens the spectrum of available expertise but also fosters a more comprehensive and diverse range of perspectives within the assessment process.
5. Reduce Carbon Emissions
By eliminating the need for physical travel, industries significantly decrease the carbon footprint of inspection processes. This shift towards digital methods aligns with global sustainability goals, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly practices and contributing to a more environmentally conscious future.
Virtual Inspection Benefits - Summary
The evolution of virtual inspections from a temporary response to the Covid-19 pandemic to a permanent and strategic solution reflects industries' resilience and adaptability. Recognizing the long-term advantages in cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and reduced travel, organizations seamlessly integrated virtual inspections into regular operations.
The ongoing incorporation of advanced technologies solidifies virtual inspections as invaluable assets in quality control, compliance, and risk management across diverse sectors. This evolution signifies a commitment to innovation and a more robust future for industries navigating the dynamic landscapes of the modern world.
About Avatour
Conducting virtual inspections of large sites or facilities? 360° video collaboration is exactly what you need.
The Avatour platform brings teams together onsite – virtually – using live 360° video.
Remote inspectors have the ability to look around the site freely in a real-time video conferencing call with a built-in suite of features to improve the collaboration experience.
Learn more about Avatour for Inspections
