At Ashwood Advisory Group, our work is defined by tangible results and transformative impact. Our case studies showcase how we partner with clients to navigate complex digital transformations, delivering not just technological upgrades, but a fundamental shift toward safer, more efficient, and data-driven operations.
Paperless Inspection Program
Paper-based inspection processes hindered data quality and delayed decision-making.
Third-party contractors returned only high-level reports without underlying raw visual inspection data.
Manual entry and handwritten reports caused errors and rework.
Extensive paperwork burden on inspectors and staff.
Deployed GE’s Integrity Mobile application with intrinsically safe field devices.
Provided 79 total devices across six refineries with offline logging capabilities.
Integrated with GE APM infrastructure while maintaining client data sovereignty.
Created virtual NDE database with client-controlled storage (10TB immediate, 50TB long-term for images).
PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENT
Established comprehensive client access to visual inspection data, enabling trend analysis and optimized maintenance decisions
SECONDARY ACHIEVEMENT
On track to achieve $550,000 in annual efficiency savings
PERFORMANCE METRICS
25% efficiency improvement demonstrated at pilot site (Refinery B) with over 200 API 510 inspections completed
STRATEGIC VALUE
Successfully demonstrated scalability of client-controlled digital inspection workflows across multiple refineries
Digital Transformation
Third-party contractors provided only high-level summary reports while maintaining control over valuable raw radiographic data.
Manual film-based processes created data silos with RT images scattered in disparate locations.
Clients lacked direct access to DICONDE files and historical inspection records
Conservative decision-making due to limited data access increased maintenance costs
Implemented DIMATE’s Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) with direct client data ownership.
Replaced manual film with digital DICONDE files linked to GE APM IM.
Established three-phase deployment: third-party integration, GE APM connectivity, and full integration.
Created virtual NDE database with client-controlled storage (50TB immediate, 250TB long-term capacity).
PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENT
Established direct client access to raw radiographic data for the first time, enabling historical trending analysis and condition-based maintenance decisions
SECONDARY ACHIEVEMENT
$500,000 in annual time savings through streamlined workflows
STRATEGIC VALUE
Created foundation for AI-powered defect detection using client-owned datasets
Successfully deployed across all six refineries (2023-2024)
Paperless Inspection Program
Manual data entry creates 18-20% error rates in UT readings, leading to component mis-assignment and typos
Current paper/Excel/manual transfer processes cause duplicate readings, rework, and significant delays
Poor data pipeline to integrity management systems create decision latency during critical inspections
Disconnected contractor workflows result in inadequate audit trails and accountability
DIMATE UT Gateway App + PACS connects NDT devices directly to CENOSCO IMS, eliminating manual transcription
UT readings flow automatically from approved devices into correct TML/grid locations in DICONDE format
Vendor-agnostic, offline-capable system allows contractors to use existing devices with minimal change management
Full traceability and instant visibility of inspection history
PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENT
Projected annual benefit of $0.66-1.1 million from UT digitization alone, with payback period of 4-9 months based on eliminating manual errors and reducing clerical cycle time
SECONDARY ACHIEVEMENT
Significant operational improvements including reduced Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), increased mechanical availability, and decreased inspection backlog age
STRATEGIC VALUE
Establishes foundation for comprehensive NDT digital transformation across all client’s inspection methods (RT, PAUT, TOFD, MT, PT)
The Next Phase of Transformation - Paving the Path to AI-enabled Operations
AI isn’t just another technology trend—it will soon be the defining competitive differentiator for tomorrow’s energy leaders.
We’re constantly researching practical AI applications specific to oil and gas—computer vision for equipment inspection, natural language processing for instant technical documentation access, and advanced analytics that predict failures weeks in advance.
But here’s what sets us apart: we understand the path to AI isn’t a leap but a bridge built sprint by sprint, ensuring your people, processes, and data are ready for each new capability.
The companies that will thrive aren’t those with the most advanced AI, but those with the clearest path to get there without leaving their workforce behind.
If your organization shares this vision of pragmatic, people-centered AI transformation in energy, we invite you to reach out—whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to accelerate existing initiatives. Together, we can shape the future of intelligent energy operations while keeping humans at the heart of the transformation.
Let’s discuss how our proven digital transformation approach can drive measurable results for your business.
