Case studies

Applus+ Pacific

Applus+ Pacific, a worldwide leader in the testing, inspection and certification of infrastructure, use Trendspek to deliver real-time visuals and reports to their clients for informed maintenance decisions and proactive risk mitigation.

We speak to Applus+ Digital Services Business Unit Manager, Christopher Louw.

Remote, digital inspections
90% faster inspections using drones and remote 3D modelling.
    Cost-effective CAPEX
    Reduced labour costs, with digital records to eliminate variability.

      Client collaboration
        Interactive virtual 'walkthrough' of assets for clients with areas of risk clearly highlighted.

        Outcomes

        Delivering 3D walkthroughs and reporting across large industrial sites


        "There's a growing demand for Trendspek’s type of services across multiple sectors for risk-based inspections, to identify certain aspects of technicality/risk and to qualify decisions with accurate evidence. Now, not only can clients see their equipment in a detailed, interactive way, but it also opens the door to metrics and statistics," he says,
        ‍
        "We report on integrity. The gap has always been that to take the image, or define that you’ve assessed historically, relies on a person’s eyes and writing skills. So you could be a great inspector - the best inspector - but a poor report writer, and then you have poor performance."

        "With Trendspek, we can combine the two things, which opens it up for second and third party interpretation. It beautifully visualises it so people can actually see and relate to the equipment, but then also penetrates the customers environment where they can actually walk through it."
        ‍
        "We can then place the historical data on it, mark our high-risk areas, and reduce frequencies of inspections, and also increase where they it’s neccessary. This allows us to be more focused around our specific tasks.”
        ‍

        “It's enabling us to present customers with information they can relate to, because they can see their plant. They can see their equipment. They know exactly where we’re talking about. And in that communication, it’s not just a conversation that’s happened - it’s archived for many more years and so on."


        "This also helps us reduce the frequency of unnecessary inspections and focus on the areas that need attention."

        "While we still need human inspectors for critical areas, technology allows us to make these tasks much more pointed. One person can now do the work of 10 people using technology to cover 90% of inspections, then focusing manpower on the remaining 10% for more detailed analysis."‍

        "One person can now do the work of 10 people, using technology to cover 90% of inspections, then focusing manpower on the remaining 10% for more detailed analysis."

        Christopher Louw
        Digital Services Business Unit Manager, Applus+ Pacific

        Outcomes

        "It allows us to take fewer people to high-risk areas"

        On a broader spectrum, Louw sees two key benefits for using technology like Trendspek.

        "First, technology allows us to take fewer people to high-risk areas. Sometimes, inspectors are just the eyes for a highly skilled engineer who can do the analysis remotely, saving costs and enhancing safety.

        In renewable energy, for instance, many assets are difficult or unsafe to access. Technology allows us to reduce the need for physical inspections, and supports engineers by making their jobs more efficient and safer, especially in areas like offshore platforms, where only a limited number of personnel can be present at any given time.
        ‍

        "This means older or highly specialised workers, who may not be able to get certified for dangerous environments, can have their expertise utilised remotely."


        Second, the safety factor is crucial. Inspectors no longer need to climb to excessive heights or spend unnecessary time in hazardous areas.

        ‍Often, 90% of the time is spent confirming everything is okay, so using technology like drones allows us to inspect the critical points directly. This reduces time on scaffolding, ropes, or in confined spaces, making the whole process more efficient and safer.

        The industry is shifting, and technology is becoming indispensable."

        Outcomes

        Using data for risk-based inspections

        The innovations that Louw oversees have already had an impact on maintenance practices, especially in the oil and gas sector.

        In these industries, downtime isn't just inconvenient—it can lead to significant financial losses and safety risks. The ability to gather data before downtime occurs, and predict the amount of resources of personnel required ahead of time, has transformed how they work.

        "Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, we can focus on the right areas when downtime happens. This proactive approach not only saves time and money but also increases operational efficiency. In an industry where every minute counts, this data-driven strategy is invaluable.”

        ‍
        As more industries move toward cloud-based reporting, Applus+ has adapted by offering flexible solutions, such as risk-based inspections.

        "Technology now allows us to back up decisions with visual evidence and data, enabling more accurate and strategic maintenance. Some clients want us to enter data directly into their portals, while others prefer PDF reports. However, more advanced clients are opting for cloud-based environments, such as Trendspek’s hosted platform, where they can access real-time data.”

        With the shift towards cloud-based reporting, cybersecurity remains a priority, with Trendspek's ISO and SOC 2 Type 1 & 2 certifications being a key benefit.

        "When you work with military or government contracts, demonstrating a strong information security framework is non-negotiable. We make sure that our data is securely hosted, and information security will continue to be a key factor in how we handle data moving forward.”

        "The more we teach AI, the more precise it becomes. Over time, it can differentiate between a stress crack vs a fabrication defect - we’re building a massive data source.”

        Christopher Louw
        Digital Services Business Unit Manager,         Applus+ Pacific

        Learn more about Autodetect AI

        What comes next

        Automatic defect detection using AI

        Through Trendspek, Applus+ has also been able to integrate AI into their operations to automatically recognise defects across large infrastructure. According to Louw, the potential of AI makes the process “incredibly reliable”.
        ‍
        “AI delivers repeatable, reliable results. And when combined with Trendspek’s platform, we can train the system to distinguish between issues like stress cracks and fabrication defects, enabling quicker, more accurate inspections.”

        “By utilising AI, we can retrospectively review inspections and identify potential issues before they become critical. It’s about moving from reactive to proactive maintenance."

        “Take a wall inspection, for instance. You might be looking for cracks, dampness, or mould. With machine learning, you can train AI to recognise these defects instantly. Once it learns the patterns, the AI can deliver an analysis within seconds.

        The more we teach AI, the more precise it becomes. Over time, it can differentiate between different types of cracks, like a stress crack versus a fabrication defect. As we continue using this across industries like oil, gas, and mining, we’re building a massive data source that allows for quicker, more accurate inspections with reliable outcomes.”

        Louw is excited to continue to change the status quo using emerging technology.

        “What excites me is being at the spearhead of technology, especially in industries like oil and gas, mining, and renewables. These sectors are pushing boundaries, and we’re in a position to utilise cutting-edge technology to provide reliable services with real consequences."

        Ready to explore Trendspek?

        Explore Trendspek
        Solution
        PlatformPricingAutodetect AI
        Industries
        BuildingsEducationEnergyMaritimeOil & GasTransport WaterView all
        Security & Policies
        Trust & AssuranceInformation & Data Security PolicyTechnical Support & Service Level PolicyQuality PolicyCookie ConsentAcceptable Use PolicyModern Slavery StatementView all
        Contact & Resources
        About TrendspekBook a demoContact usNews and PressResources and GuidesWebinars and Events
        Support CenterTrendspek Status
        Explore Trendspek

        Solution

        PlatformPricing

        We work with

        Owners EngineersCapture ProvidersAlliance PartnersVIEW ALL

        Industries

        BuildingsEducationEnergyMaritimeOil & GasTransport WaterVIEW ALL

        Security and Policies

        Trust & AssuranceInformation & Data Security PolicyTechnical Support & Service Level PolicyQuality PolicyCookie ConsentAcceptable Use PolicyModern Slavery StatementVIEW ALL

        Contact and Resources

        About TrendspekBook a demoContact usNews and PressResources and GuidesWebinars and EventsSupport CenterTrendspek Status

        © 2025 Trendspek Pty Ltd

        Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsHelp

        Trendspek uses cookies to provide necessary website functionality, improve your experience and analyze our traffic. By exploring and using our website, you agree to our policy.

        Cookie Consent

        Privacy Policy

        Ok, got it