When it comes to the primary advantages of using **drones for inspections**, cost savings consistently rank at the top. But are these benefits universal across industries, or do they only apply to certain sectors? And how exactly do drones help companies cut costs?
The answer is that the cost savings from drone inspections can be applied in nearly any industrial setting—whether the inspection takes place indoors, like in a boiler or pressure vessel, or outdoors, such as on power lines or cell towers. Drones can collect visual data faster and more efficiently than humans, which significantly reduces overall inspection costs regardless of the situation.
So, how do drones actually help companies save money? Let's explore the key ways:
**1. Reduced Need for Scaffolding**
One of the most significant cost-saving benefits of drones is the reduced need for scaffolding. In many cases, companies can save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by eliminating or minimizing scaffolding use. This is because scaffolding is a temporary, one-time expense designed to give inspectors a platform to work from. Drones can collect the same data remotely, reducing the need for manual labor and physical structures.
Scaffolding costs typically come from three main areas: materials, labor for setup and removal, and extended downtime during installation. Even when scaffolding is necessary, using a drone first can help identify where it should be placed, cutting down on both time and materials.
*Case Study: Oil & Gas – $2 Million Saved*
An oil tanker manager saved over $2 million using the Elios 2 drone for an internal cargo tank inspection. The savings came from both reduced material and labor costs, as well as a significant reduction in downtime.
*Case Study: Power Generation – $320,000 Saved*
Pampa Energia, a major energy company in Argentina, saved $320,000 by using the Elios 1 for a boiler inspection. The drone helped avoid the need for scaffolding and minimized asset downtime.
**2. Reduced Downtimes**
Drones also help reduce asset downtime, which can lead to substantial financial savings. By eliminating the need for scaffolding and speeding up the data collection process, drones allow inspections to be completed more quickly, keeping operations running smoothly.
In one case, a company saved $1.6 million by avoiding eight days of downtime that would have been required for scaffolding setup and removal.
**3. Reduced Work Hours**
Using drones can drastically cut the number of hours required for inspections. Not only does this reduce labor costs, but it also makes the entire process more efficient. For example, a power plant inspection that once took 280 hours was completed in just 10 hours using a drone, saving 270 hours overall.
**4. Lower Insurance Costs**
By reducing the need for workers to enter confined spaces or work at dangerous heights, drones lower the risk of accidents. This can result in lower insurance premiums, offering additional cost savings.
**5. Less Health and Safety Equipment Needed**
With drones handling the data collection, there’s less need for inspectors to wear heavy safety gear. This not only improves safety but also reduces the cost of purchasing and maintaining such equipment.
**6. More Frequent Inspections**
Because drone inspections are cheaper and faster, companies can conduct them more frequently. This leads to earlier detection of issues, allowing for timely repairs and longer asset life. It also has environmental benefits—according to a study, increasing inspection frequency with drones could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 649 metric tons annually.
Whether you're in energy, construction, or manufacturing, the benefits of using drones for inspections are clear. From cost savings to improved safety and efficiency, drones are transforming the way companies approach maintenance and asset management.
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