The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is responsible for more than 20,000 bridges across the state. As national inspection standards shifted, TDOT faced two major challenges: transitioning to the new SNBI requirements and modernizing an outdated, fragmented inspection process. Their bridge management system depended on a combination of tools such as AASHTOWare BrM, MS Access databases, ArcGIS Desktop, and various file management solutions, which led to duplicated efforts, inconsistent data, and limited oversight.
In October 2021, TDOT implemented inspectX™, a centralized platform and modernized bridge management system built to streamline infrastructure inspections and support regulatory compliance. With features like offline data collection, live GIS mapping, automated report generation, and electronic reviews, inspectX™ unified previously fragmented processes into a centralized workflow. Today, TDOT conducts inspections more efficiently, remains aligned with SNBI and FHWA standards, and operates with improved clarity, speed, and control.
TDOT evaluated multiple solutions and selected inspectX™ for its targeted capabilities. The SNBIX™ module automated the NBI-to-SNBI data migration, significantly reducing manual effort.
Implementing inspectX™ provided TDOT inspectors with several key benefits:
For TDOT, inspectX™ delivered a practical and efficient solution that strengthened TDOT’s bridge inspection program.
The transition from NBI to SNBI presented TDOT with considerable challenges. Reformatting extensive datasets to align with SNBI’s detailed requirements posed risks of errors and data loss, and manual processes could have slowed progress significantly.
SNBIX™ addressed these issues effectively:
The result? A smooth, structured, and seamless transition that ensured efficient alignment with SNBI standards.
TDOT implemented inspectX™ through a structured approach. The process began with SNBIX™ converting existing data to SNBI standards, creating a strong foundation. Comprehensive training ensured inspectors and managers were well-prepared for the change. A pilot phase refined workflows and addressed initial challenges, leading to a full deployment across all teams.
The rollout, completed in 6 months (Oct 2021 – March 2022, leveraged SNBIX™ automation to minimize data restructuring concerns. The result was a well-executed deployment that transformed TDOT’s operational efficiency.
Adopting inspectX™ significantly improved TDOT’s inspection process:
Rebecca Hayworth, P.E., TDOT Assistant State Bridge Inspection Engineer, noted: “inspectX™ transformed our operations, simplifying SNBI compliance and markedly improving efficiency.”
“Stellar inspection program.”
★★★★★ — Daniel Owens, Bridge Management Office, TDOT
“Tennessee DOT adopted inspectX as our primary bridge-inspection database and field app. It has streamlined countless internal processes and delivered clear productivity gains. I’d recommend inspectX to any agency—or private firm—in the bridge-inspection field.”
TDOT views inspectX™ as a foundation for system expansion into other asset types. The agency plans to extend the system to other infrastructure assets, amplifying its reach. Predictive maintenance is under consideration, with analytics expected to support proactive decision-making. Additional features will further hone workflows, supporting TDOT’s ongoing improvements in bridge management.
As of March 2025, TDOT has officially transitioned away from collecting data in the old NBI format and is now fully operating under the SNBI standards. As TDOT continues its evolution, inspectX™ remains committed to keeping them ahead of regulatory changes. With full support for SNBI Errata 1 updates and add-ons designed to simplify compliance, agencies can navigate these transitions with greater ease. The goal remains the same: providing adaptable tools to support changing inspection needs and compliance goals.
See inspectX™ in Action. Let’s explore what it can do for you!