Raising the Bar for Asset Inspection Reporting: AXS NDT Optimizes Workflows for Competitive Advantage

Background: A leader in non-destructive testing

AXS NDT Australia is a leading provider of non-destructive testing (NDT), hydrostatic inspection and field services for the mining, oil & gas, and industrial sectors. Their clients include some of the largest and most respected names in industry and engineering.

Based primarily in the Bowen Basin, Queensland, the company ensures the structural integrity and compliance of pipelines, pressure vessels, and other industrial mechanical assets by conducting a wide range of specialized tests, including magnetic particle, penetrant, ultrasonic, radiography, and hydrostatic pressure testing.

Operating in highly regulated industries where precision and traceability are critical, AXS NDT is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for technical competence and is routinely audited for compliance with Australian standards.

Having built a reputation for reliability and professionalism by consistently providing quality service, AXS NDT is now enjoying stable growth and seeking to maintain their industry leading position. As the business expanded, they wanted to find a technology partner whose values aligned closely with their own: prioritizing service quality, data accuracy, and operational flexibility without disrupting established workflows.

Challenge: Improving data capture and reporting

Traditionally, AXS NDT had relied on manual reporting workflows. Field technicians filled out handwritten inspection forms, which were later transcribed into Microsoft Word or Excel by office staff who then generated final reports for distribution.

This process created bottlenecks that delayed client deliverables while increasing the risk of transcription or formatting errors. Reporting turnaround times typically took a few days, whereas competitors using digital tools could deliver reports within 24 hours.

"With manual reporting, there's room for misinterpretation. It can be challenging if information isn't being communicated correctly and it can become a big ordeal", said Zack Tass, Branch Manager, AXS NDT Australia.

The company recognized the need to modernize their processes with automated reporting workflows, not only to improve efficiency, but also to gain a competitive advantage in an industry where speed and accuracy are valued by clients and compliance is crucial.

They needed a platform with the flexibility to optimize their unique processes while remaining compliant with strict government regulations. They also wanted to customize and maintain their own solutions in-house with their existing capabilities and staff.

Solution: Custom workflow applications built in Flowfinity

After evaluation, AXS NDT chose to implement the Flowfinity process automation platform. Leveraging Flowfinity they created data capture and reporting workflows they could customize to their unique needs and compliance standards without having to bring on additional IT resources.

As the subject-matter expert closest to their processes, Zack personally designed and built the company's inspection apps without an IT background, using Flowfinity's intuitive application editor. The solution now supports nearly all the company's reporting, covering 10 different NDT test methods that vary widely in their technical data requirements.

I built the apps we use, and I have no IT background at all, it was very straightforward. Once you understand how things work together, it just makes sense."

Key Capabilities:

• Audit-readiness: Reports follow the required NATA formats to ensure compliance, while formatting is always correct and data is accurate at the source.
• Automated report generation: Data collected in Flowfinity is automatically merged into standardized report templates, eliminating manual re-entry.
• Digitized data capture: Technicians use tablets to record test results, photos, and notes directly on-site, which are immediately accessible.
• Offline access: Field technicians can work without connectivity when in remote areas and sync data once back online.
• Scalability: Apps can be easily created for new tests or requirements and administered by existing staff.

"Flowfinity gave us the flexibility we'd been missing. We customize solutions exactly around our workflows rather than shoehorn ourselves into an off-the-shelf product." — Zack

Results: Reduced reporting time, improved customer satisfaction

AXS NDT has achieved dramatic efficiency gains and improved data accuracy since adopting Flowfinity. Clients compliment them on their reports for their detail and accuracy, while field staff love the intuitive apps and the time savings they bring.

Customers appreciate that report generation times have been reduced from days to hours after testing is complete, boosting client satisfaction. Meanwhile, technicians complete their jobs on-site, reducing overall work hours and improving morale, while being confident they are audit-ready when called upon.

For office staff, manual transcription has been eliminated, reducing administrative overhead and freeing up a full-time reporting role for higher-value work. Faster turnaround and superior report quality have directly led to new business opportunities for the company's ownership and a competitive advantage.

Technical questions or service requests are addressed within 24 hours and Flowfinity is seen as not just a platform but a partner in AXS NDT's digital transformation journey.

We get complimented all the time on our reports now. They’re detailed, accurate, and clients are getting them almost instantly. It's led to new work and higher-quality opportunities for us."

Going Forward: Expanded use cases and further automation

AXS NDT plans to expand its use of Flowfinity beyond inspection reporting into asset and inventory management, creating apps for equipment and consumable registers. These new solutions will automate replenishment tracking and calibration reminders, reducing manual spreadsheet management.

The company is also exploring the potential of Flowfinity software robots and AI-enabled automation to merge test reports and streamline quality assurance processes. With Flowfinity’s unlimited app-building model, AXS NDT can continue to innovate and scale without additional software licensing costs or reliance on external IT resources.

"Flowfinity has basically given us an extra body while increasing customer satisfaction and new business. Everything’s much more efficient now, I don’t think I could ever go back." — Zack