CBH

Enter Asseti. By leveraging cutting-edge drone technology and advanced data analysis, Asseti helped CBH Group implement a proactive, standardised approach to asset condition monitoring. The results? Enhanced safety, significant cost savings and a streamlined maintenance process that positions CBH Group for long-term success.

The problem: how to manage ageing infrastructure and ensure safety

CBH Group’s extensive asset portfolio includes grain silos and terminals, many of which are decades old. Maintaining these structures presented three significant challenges:

1. Safety risks from aging concrete silos: Decades of wear left CBH Group’s concrete silos vulnerable to deterioration. Without routine inspections, the risk of falling concrete became a pressing concern, according to CBH Group lead engineer Mitchell Khaw. “We had concrete falling from heights of up to 30 metres onto walkways,” he says. “We needed a structural integrity program to prevent incidents like this and stay ahead of problems.”
2. Inconsistent maintenance processes: With five maintenance zones managed independently, CBH Group lacked a standardised approach to condition assessments. “Each zone had a different way of doing things, which made it difficult to provide clear instructions and maintain consistency,” Khaw says.
3. Challenges inspecting hard-to-reach areas: Traditional inspection methods, such as rope access, were costly, time-consuming and limited in scope. Ground-based binocular inspections were quicker but lacked accuracy. “Inspecting areas like the rims at the tops of silos was tricky and expensive. We needed a better way to assess these critical points,” Khaw says.

The solution: an intelligent platform for centralised asset management

To address these challenges, CBH Group partnered with Asseti, whose expertise in asset condition monitoring proved invaluable. Asseti delivered three key solutions:

1. Drone technology for safer, faster inspections. Asseti deployed drones to capture high-resolution images of CBH Group’s silos and terminals, enabling comprehensive inspections of inaccessible areas. “The drones made it a no-brainer. They’re faster, cheaper and provide excellent results,” Khaw says. “We could assess not only the concrete but also other potential hazards, with data that benefits our engineering teams as well.”
2. Advanced data for cost-effective maintenance. Asseti’s technology provided reliable, actionable data from CBH Group’s 35 sites, including 3D models for ongoing reference. “Over two years, the cost of using Asseti was the same as inspecting just one site per year with rope access,” Khaw says. “We’ve also saved enormous amounts of time and gained valuable insights.”
3. Standardised inspection processes. Asseti collaborated with CBH Group to establish a structured, repeatable inspection program. Regular scans now track changes in asset condition over time, ensuring consistent maintenance practices. “Previously, inspections were ad hoc. Now we have a consistent process, helping us stay proactive and prevent issues.”

The result: streamlined operations and maximised portfolio value

Asseti’s solutions has delivered three transformative benefits for CBH Group:

• CBH Group now has a clear understanding of its silos’ risk profiles, enabling proactive measures to prevent hazards like falling concrete.
• By replacing labour-intensive inspections with efficient drone technology, CBH Group has significantly reduced costs and saved enormous amounts of time.
• Standardised processes ensure consistent monitoring and maintenance across all sites, providing peace of mind and operational clarity.
• By combining cutting-edge technology with a collaborative approach, Asseti not only helped CBH Group address immediate issues but also laid the foundation for a safer, more efficient asset management strategy.