With over 40 years of experience spanning various industries, WGA (Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec) has established itself as a leading force in delivering cutting-edge solutions without compromising quality.
Spearheading the exploration of emerging technologies is Andrew Brown, the Digital Technology Manager at WGA, who recognises the tremendous potential of drone technology in both present and future applications.
As an engineering and project management business dedicated to providing the best solutions for its clients, WGA understands the importance of conducting thorough asset inspections. However, it acknowledges that the conventional methods employed in such inspections are often outdated, leading to inefficiencies and disconnections between on-site experiences and report preparation stages.
Traditionally, asset inspections involved teams of abseilers using ropes while on-site engineers captured photos and reported observed defects. This process required the team to return to the office, download the data, and prepare a comprehensive report painstakingly. The lack of seamless integration between on-site activities and the reporting phase poses significant challenges for any company.
With his extensive experience and deep understanding of technological advancements, Andrew Brown has been at the forefront of introducing innovative solutions at WGA. His role as the Digital Technology Manager entails connecting different consulting departments with new technologies and integrating them into workflows to ensure the delivery of optimal solutions to clients.
One remarkable project that exemplifies WGA’s commitment to efficiency and safety is the annual inspection of over 40 cranes at ports in Brisbane and Sydney. Rather than adhering to traditional inspection methods that would necessitate a three-day shutdown and conventional techniques, WGA sought to incorporate efficiency from multiple perspectives, including time, engineering, and safety.
Driven by their passion for problem-solving and desire for a more suitable solution, WGA turned to Trendspek, a cutting-edge software solution. The introduction of Trendspek allowed WGA to revolutionise their inspection process, eliminating the need for extended shutdowns and enabling a more streamlined and effective workflow.
The decision to adopt this software solution was primarily motivated by safety considerations. Traditionally, crane inspections required teams to meticulously examine them by abseiling from the top or accessing them through ladders and platforms. This process demanded a considerable workforce to ensure thorough inspections. Despite optimising this method to a reasonably efficient pace, WGA recognised the potential for further improvements.
Andrew Brown personally conducted the engineers’ training session for the new software and was impressed by its intuitiveness and ease of use. The software proved invaluable, allowing the team to identify defects that would have been difficult to spot using traditional rope access methods. The successful implementation of drones in the inspection process highlighted the enhanced effectiveness and value they bring.
The overall experience with Trendspek has been highly positive for WGA. By embracing this innovative technology and departing from traditional inspection methods, WGA has achieved remarkable improvements in efficiency, reduced risks, and the ability to capture detailed digital assets. This success has solidified their belief that drones are indispensable for future projects.
WGA’s dedication to working smarter and delivering practical engineering solutions for clients is evident in its consistent adoption of new and innovative technologies. By leveraging these advancements, WGA aims to provide highly effective solutions while effectively managing risks.
WGA’s commitment to innovation positions them as industry pioneers in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Their unwavering focus on leveraging the latest tools and approaches not only enhances their ability to deliver superior results but also demonstrates their dedication to client satisfaction and operational excellence.
As WGA continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the engineering field, its forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly pave the way for transformative solutions and set new benchmarks for industry standards.
Read more about WGA’s Digital Engineering Capabilities.