In our ‘Meet the People Behind the Software’ series, we’re excited to introduce you to Ian Smith, a key figure whose decades-long journey with Elementz and its predecessor, Coabis, has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of subsea asset integrity management.
Can you describe your journey with Integrity Elementz and how it has evolved over the years?
In a word…long. My journey with Integrity Elementz began in the mid-90s with its predecessor, Coabis. Back then, I approached the product from an engineering perspective as a Civil Engineer, using it rather than designing it. The power and potential I saw in the system sparked a desire to help others make the best possible use of it, leading me into a support role and eventually to becoming the Product Owner of Coabis. This journey continued as Coabis transitioned into Integrity Elementz.
Over the past 30 years, my career has not been exclusively tied to the product—I’ve ventured into other fields, including compliance during the Y2K scare and finance—but I kept returning to subsea inspection and Coabis. Although I’m no longer the Product Owner of Integrity Elementz, I’m thrilled to see its future in the capable hands of Tom Clarke.
What are some of the key challenges you face in driving the product roadmap forward, and how do you prioritise feature development to ensure it aligns with both customer needs and industry advancements?
The key challenge lies in balancing feature development to align with both customer needs and industry advancements. With a large customer base, immediate requirements can vary, but overall directions tend to align, often influenced by new technologies in hardware and software. This balancing act between short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial. Fortunately, our decades of experience and close relationships with customers allow us to achieve this balance effectively, guiding the product from its DOS origins through the Windows era and into the cloud-based world of Integrity Elementz. Along the way, we haven’t just adopted new advancements—we’ve actively driven them.
What emerging technologies or trends do you believe will have the greatest impact on subsea asset integrity software in the coming years?
AUVs, (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), particularly Field Resident AUVs, combined with machine learning image recognition, has the potential to totally transform the world of subsea inspection. The fundamental issue about subsea inspection has always been that it’s a point-in-time snapshot of the state of subsea facilities, and unlike say platform topsides where people may spot a leak or structural defect while wandering past, you don’t have that luxury subsea, so it could be years before an issue is detected. Having an AUV permanently in the field to fly around 365 days a year and using the machine learning to spot potential issues in the myriad images being captured, could identify serious defects years before it would be via traditional subsea inspections.
How does Integrity Elementz differentiate itself from other solutions in the market?
It’s not one thing, it’s the combination of both product and team. What we bring is over 35 years of experience and working relationships with our customers, working together to keep the product at the cutting edge. While others may be happy to rest on their laurels, we at Elementz aren’t.
Who is Ian outside of work?
Outside of work, the majority of my time is taken up being a carer for my wife, who suffers from ME/CFS, an illness whose causes remain unknown and has suffered from years of chronic underinvestment. You can find out more about this illness at https://www.meresearch.org.uk and all donations will be gratefully received.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, which actor would you choose to play you and why?
Sir Ian McKellen, since he appears to have no issues with adopting the various styles of facial hair the role would require.
