The inspection route is the path that an inspector must travel to collect data or information on the condition of a group of assets.

There is no general blueprint for designing inspection routes since the correct selection of a route involves many non-standard aspects that vary from company to company. Points to consider when designing visual inspection routes for predictive maintenance are addressed in this chapter.

Considerations for designing visual inspections:

• Visual inspection execution time for each asset.
• Transfer time from one asset to another.
• Hours or forecast of operation of the assets.
• In case you have different modes of operation, establish a standard to be inspected, and plan the route accordingly.
• Processing of access permits or work permits.
• Occupational hazards on journeys outside the inspection area.
• Designated time for the inspectors to make the routes.
• Other inspection routes in the predictive maintenance plan.
• When an asset cannot be inspected, it must be reported.