Retention of inspection results in a flexible data base can be a very useful tool when analysing the benefits of remedial treatment. In addition to providing defective pole information, control of the progression of decay over a period of time in serviceable poles can be monitored.

A longer life for the pole may well mean other requirements such as pole top inspection and maintenance may require consideration. Poles may typically remain in service for 40-50 years which exceeds the life span of most of the other assets on the pole. Data bases that include a component for asset maintenance can be a very useful management tool in preparation of maintenance packages for most pole assets. Typically these packages should include data on crossarms, insulator, hardware, tree pruning and pole reinforcement etc. Data bases derived from pole inspection are also very powerful in strategic planning as many trends are readily identified. Examples include, effectiveness of remedial treatment, deterioration of timber on crossarms, regrowth of trees after pruning etc.

In more recent times major advances have occurred with suitable field data collection units. A very popular type of device is a pen type tablet where inspectors can input data using a felt pen without exposed keys. The more developed systems rely on a range of drop down screens where inspectors simply click on the desired entry. This makes input very quick and reporting simple as data is supplied in a very uniform and coded fashion.

In collaboration with a specialist IT software company Preschem have developed a generic data collection software that can capture information on pole location , defects, defective equipment and pole condition . This software can be tailor made to customer requirements and can generate a series of detailed reports and interface with common database and spreadsheet applications.

Preschem can provide further detail on options for hand held devices and examples of some of the IT systems and principles used by a wide number of Electricity Authorities across Australia .

Click here for a pdf overview of the Distribution Asset Inspection System