How CRC Evans Is Using AI to Advance Critical Infrastructure
For more than 90 years, CRC Evans has delivered specialty welding and coating solutions on some of the world's most demanding energy and infrastructure projects. Today, the company is building on that heritage to become a technology-enabled platform for critical infrastructure delivery.
Driven by advances in artificial intelligence, real-time data management and digital technologies, CRC Evans is redefining how projects are executed, monitored and managed throughout the asset lifecycle.
Speaking at OTC 2026, Shailesh Radhakrishnan, VP of Engineering and Technology, outlined how the company is applying decades of operational expertise and data to deliver smarter, more predictive infrastructure solutions.
From Traditional Service Provider to Technology Partner
"Our conversation is shifting from 'we can do your welding and coating' to 'we can deliver certainty and predictability throughout your entire asset lifecycle,'" said Radhakrishnan.
That shift is being driven by customer demand. As projects become larger and more complex, operators increasingly require real-time visibility, predictive intelligence and integrated digital oversight alongside traditional execution capabilities.
CRC Evans has responded by embedding advanced equipment, digital platforms and AI-driven analytics into its core operations, giving customers greater transparency, stronger decision-making and more predictable outcomes.
Central to this strategy is a digital-first philosophy.
"Embracing a digital-first approach is not just a strategic decision—it is an essential evolution."
Turning Decades of Data into Actionable Intelligence
One of the biggest drivers of CRC Evans' transformation is the depth of its historical operational data. Over decades of global project delivery, the company has accumulated millions of data points on welding and coating performance and is now applying AI and machine learning to predict defects, optimize processes and strengthen quality assurance.
"AI is only as good as the data that it learns from," said Radhakrishnan. "That's what we've created with DATA 360."
Using machine learning models trained on both successful and unsuccessful welds, CRC Evans can identify subtle patterns associated with potential defects before they occur. This enables issues to be addressed during execution rather than after inspection, marking a shift from reactive quality control to predictive quality management.
The company is also developing systems capable of making real-time process adjustments during welding and coating operations, preventing defects before they escalate into costly delays or rework.
"It's not just about identifying defects," said Radhakrishnan. "It's about seeing it live, making corrections in the moment so the defect that was going to happen is eliminated."
Through several proof-of-concept programs, CRC Evans has already achieved defect prediction confidence levels approaching 90% to 95%.
DATA 360 Connects Infrastructure Delivery
At the heart of CRC Evans' digital transformation is DATA 360, the company's integrated lifecycle data management platform.
By consolidating welding, coating, NDT and material traceability into a single digital environment, DATA 360 provides contractors, operators and inspection teams with real-time project visibility and a continuously updated single source of truth.
Customers can remotely monitor production rates, repair trends and operational performance from anywhere in the world, enabling faster decisions and greater confidence throughout project delivery.
Unlike fragmented point solutions, DATA 360 is designed as a connected integrity ecosystem built to support future digital twins, predictive maintenance and autonomous operations.
Delivering Real Project Impact
CRC Evans has already demonstrated the operational value of these capabilities on major offshore projects. On one recent offshore development—among the largest in the company's history—digital tools played a significant role in improving execution efficiency and reducing offshore quality-control requirements.
Real-time monitoring and predictive analysis allowed weld integrity to be validated immediately upon completion, reducing delays traditionally associated with inspection and reporting.
The digital approach also reduced the offshore personnel footprint by minimizing the need for quality-control staff at individual stations—a significant advantage on vessels where space is limited.
"These digital tools were significant in reducing the footprint we had for quality control," said Radhakrishnan. "It eliminated a major logistical challenge on the project."
Building the Future of Critical Infrastructure
Looking ahead, CRC Evans sees AI and digital transformation as central to its long-term growth strategy. The company is expanding AI applications across operations, sales, HR, QHSE and supply chain functions to improve efficiency, preserve institutional knowledge and support faster, more informed decision-making.
CRC Evans is also diversifying into nuclear, aerospace, defense and broader critical infrastructure markets, supported by investment in its new EMEAA Headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Burnley, U.K.
The company's vision is to combine decades of field-proven expertise with advanced digital technologies to deliver safer projects, faster execution and greater certainty for customers worldwide.
As Radhakrishnan said, "Technology is going to be the force multiplier that takes CRC Evans into the future."