This paper discusses how the increasing demand for advanced ultrasonic inspection in critical industries (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, and energy) is colliding with a shrinking pool of qualified NDT experts, while technological innovations in recent years in the field of UT testing have increased the level of complexity of conducting state-of-the-art PAUT inspection techniques like PWI-TFM and PCI. These conflicting situations demand more powerful portable PAUT systems, while making them easier to operate for technicians of varying skill levels. We will introduce a workflow-centric design methodology that simplifies advanced techniques like TFM and PWI without compromising performance. Using a new-generation portable PAUT system as a reference architecture, we explore how intuitive interfaces, assisted setup tools, and integrated analysis features can lower the training barrier, improve consistency across inspectors, and accelerate digital transformation in inspection workflows. The paper’s conclusion will showcase how advanced PAUT inspection solutions can be efficiently deployed in the field.