Home > Insights > Digital Transformation – Is Aiming for Digitalisation Enough, or Does Future Pipeline Integrity Management Require an Industry 4.0 Approach?

Digital Transformation – Is Aiming for Digitalisation Enough, or Does Future Pipeline Integrity Management Require an Industry 4.0 Approach?

Abstract

It is well recognised within the pipeline engineering community that digital transformation of the industry will happen, and that this must happen with an increasing pace of uptake.

Computing capabilities and data sources are changing at an incredible rate and we have the opportunity to improve on current integrity management processes. The sheer volume of data now available has the potential to enable better assessment of the problems commonly faced by pipeline operators, but does pose additional problems for traditional methods of managing data, and methods of performing further work with the data available; all of which must be solved efficiently.

Ultimately digital transformation will force a radical change in many companies’ business strategy. The authors share recent experience of some of the common pitfalls and roadblocks which can be encountered when transferring away from traditional management and use of data as part of digital transformation; and go on to detail some of the lessons learned by Penspen as part of Penspen’s digital transformation process.

Insights & News

A banner for International Women in Engineering Day.
Find Out More
23-06-2025 Insights

International Women in Engineering Day: Meet April, Najma and Nora

In this second edition, meet April, As-Build Coordinator & Lead CAD Associate at C&I Engineering, a company acquired by Penspen in 2024; Najma, Senior Finance Officer based in Abu Dhabi; and Nora,...

Learn More
A banner introducing International Women in Engineering Day.
Find Out More
19-06-2025 Insights

International Women in Engineering Day: Meet Shobhina, Maria and Rachael

The energy industry is changing rapidly, and meeting the challenges posed by this transition requires a diversity of talent and perspectives – something that we’re committed to addressing in a...

Learn More
Image of technical paper being presented at Pipeline Technology Conference 2025
Find Out More
12-06-2025 Insights

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage – What are the Real Challenges & Costs?

As the global push for net zero intensifies, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) is emerging as a critical technology to decarbonise energy supplies and industrial processes. With the...

Learn More
Image of two young males presenting at conference
Find Out More
03-06-2025 Insights

Challenges and Considerations for Hydrogen Integration in Natural Gas Pipeline Networks: A Comparative Screening Methodology

The global transition to hydrogen is accelerating, and repurposing existing natural gas pipelines is a critical step towards a low-carbon future. However, ensuring the feasibility, safety, and...

Learn More
Find Out More
30-06-2025 News

Penspen and Cosasco Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Corrosion Monitoring and Management Solutions

(L-R Brandon Alexander – Penspen US Director, Peter O’Sullivan – Penspen CEO, Philip Bourop  – Cosasco President, Om Mourya – Cosasco VP of Sales, Gustavo Romero...

Learn More
Find Out More
25-06-2025 News

Penspen Training Courses Achieve IGEM Recognition

Penspen’s asset management training courses were recently recognised by IGEM, the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers. This prestigious recognition demonstrates that Penspen’s...

Learn More
An external view of Penspen's new office in Aberdeen
Find Out More
26-05-2025 News

Penspen Strengthens North-East Commitment with New Aberdeen Office as Growth Accelerates

New Office Investment Boosts 200-Strong Team’s Capacity to Deliver Key Energy Transition Projects (Darren Bartlett, Penspen’s Director of EPM and Energy Transition and Grant Lunn, CEO of...

Learn More

More insights