Utilities are under increasing pressure to manage their aging infrastructure, rising costs, and stringent compliance requirements. In this context, asset imagery analytics is proving to be a powerful tool for optimizing operations, offering the ability to transform visual data from drones, satellites, and other sources into actionable insights. However, many organizations struggle to develop a compelling business case that will secure the necessary approval and funding for such initiatives. This article, also appearing in the Utility Analytics Institute and written by Adam Cornille and Sacha Stjepanovic of Logic20/20, looks at the benefits of asset imagery analytics and offers guidance on how to develop a compelling case for adopting it.
Highlight the proven benefits of image analysis
Investing in asset imagery analytics can significantly transform utility operations by transforming imagery from drones, satellites, LiDAR, and other sources into actionable insights. Below are some key benefits that can support a strong business case.
Reduced inspection costs
One of the most compelling benefits of image analytics is the reduction in inspection costs. Traditional methods such as helicopter inspections can cost up to $10,000 per day, and the cost of each truck call can be as much as $1,000. By leveraging drones, satellites, and other image sources combined with advanced analytics, utilities can conduct cost-effective aerial inspections and reduce the overall number of truck calls, resulting in significant savings.
Increased security and risk prediction
Utilities can use drones to get close-up views of assets from multiple angles while human inspectors remain safely on the ground, avoiding the dangers of pole climbing and helicopter overflights.
Additionally, asset image analysis improves risk prediction by analyzing images to identify potential hazards before they become critical problems. Well-trained AI and machine learning algorithms can detect early signs of equipment wear, structural damage, and vegetation infestation, allowing the utility to proactively address these risks and reduce the likelihood of accidents and outages.
Improved decision making in emergency situations
After an emergency, data-driven insights are key to making quick, effective decisions that can save lives and protect communities. Asset imagery analytics enables utilities to quickly assess damage from storms, wildfires and other extreme events using images from drones, satellites, truck-mounted cameras and even cell phones.
By integrating image-based insights with other data sources such as weather forecasts, utilities can prioritize areas for immediate action, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall situational awareness. These capabilities minimize downtime and speed service restoration, ensuring a faster, more efficient response to emergency situations.
Optimized operational processes
While the average utility worker can perform two detailed asset inspections per day, drones can perform up to 20 inspections and satellites can capture high-resolution images of vast areas in a single pass. This increased efficiency not only reduces operating costs, but also allows for more frequent and comprehensive monitoring of utility assets to enable proactive maintenance.
Key insights for success
Every utility is different and has its own challenges and needs, but the basic approach to building a compelling business case for asset image analytics can be used in any organization:
- Assess the current situation to understand existing processes and data maturity.
- Identify the gaps between the current and desired state.
- Present use cases that highlight the feasibility and impact of a strategically planned asset image analysis program, prioritized by feasibility and impact.
- Create a long-term strategic roadmap that outlines steps for implementation and future growth.
By following this structured approach, utilities can develop a compelling asset portfolio that demonstrates to management the value of investing in an asset image analysis program.
Leading the way to a smarter future
Building a business case for asset image analytics involves more than just crunching numbers and creating a pitch deck. It’s about imagining a future where utilities are more efficient, safer, and smarter. As we move further into the age of digital transformation, the more successful the utilities will be that leverage cutting-edge technologies to address both current challenges and future uncertainties.
The true power of asset image analytics lies in transforming raw data into actionable insights that transform the way utilities inspect, maintain and protect critical infrastructure. This advancement goes beyond reducing costs or improving safety—it redefines the potential of utility management.
The real question is how far utilities are willing to take this potential. Leveraging asset image analytics is a significant step toward a more robust and innovative future. By developing a compelling business case, utilities can secure the approval and funding needed to implement these technologies, ensuring they lead the way toward a smarter, more efficient, and safer future. The foundations laid today will determine the agility and strength of tomorrow’s operations, putting forward-thinking utilities at the forefront of industry transformation.
About the authors:
Adam Cornille is Senior Director of Advanced Analytics at Logic20/20. He is a data science manager and practitioner with over a decade of experience in the field and training in development, statistics, and management practices. Adam currently leads the development of data science solutions and strategies to improve business maturity in the application of data.
Sacha Stjepanovic, Senior Director of National Utilities at Logic20/20, is responsible for working with the utilities sector on advanced analytics, digital transformation and grid operations solutions.
