Computer-based data acquisition and processing in a technical investigation department

This paper provides a snapshot of the current work of the Technical Investigation Department (TID) of Lloyd’s Register EMEA, focusing on how computer-based tools have been integrated to collect, process and analyse data. There are three main parts to the paper: (1) description of the data acquisition and processing systems – both traditional analogue and more modern digital systems; (2) discussion of the analysis techniques – categorised into spreadsheets, signal processing, and engineering design and predictive analysis; (3) example combinations on jobs – in both marine and non-marine industries. The paper concludes with a look ahead to developments foreseen in the coming years.