What are the benefits that smart inspection cannot achieve ()?

Smart inspection, which leverages technologies like IoT sensors, drones, and AI, provides direct benefits related to the inspection task itself. It improves efficiency by automating data collection, reduces the physical and repetitive burden on workers, and enhances safety by deploying automated systems in hazardous environments. However, its primary function is to monitor and maintain the current state of assets and infrastructure. While the data gathered can inform future decisions about process optimization, smart inspection does not directly or inherently improve the underlying production process itself. Process improvement is a separate engineering discipline.

A. Improve the efficiency of inspection: This is a primary goal and benefit, as automated systems can inspect assets faster and more frequently than humans.
B. Reduce the burden on workers: Automating dull, dirty, and dangerous inspection tasks is a key advantage, freeing human capital for more complex analysis.
C. Improve worker safety: This is a critical benefit, as drones and robots can be sent into locations that are dangerous or inaccessible for human workers.

1. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (2019). Smart Factory IoT Solution Overview. Section on "Predictive Maintenance and Smart Inspection." The documentation focuses on benefits like O&M efficiency, cost reduction, and safety.

2. He, Y., Zhang, J., & Wen, F. (2021). Intelligent Inspection and Maintenance of Power Equipment. Chapter 2, "Benefits of Intelligent Inspection." Published by Tsinghua University Press. This academic text outlines the direct benefits as efficiency, safety, and reliability of the inspection work.