As NDE workflows modernize under the NDE 4.0 framework, practitioners face growing pressure to improve both data fidelity and digital accessibility. Yet many conventional ultrasonic systems discard potentially vital information during acquisition by applying fixed, irreversible processing, ultimately constraining future analysis, reprocessing, or auditing.

This presentation outlins a practical approach to preserving raw ultrasonic data while supporting modern usability. Using a layered filter architecture, where full A-scan data is captured and retained, while real-time filters remain recalculable and fully reversible in post-processing. This allows technicians to work with intuitive settings in the field, while analysts and auditors retain full access to unaltered data back at the office.

In parallel, we explore the advantages of a cloud-native inspection ecosystem to eliminate manual data transfers via physical media, and improves traceability throughout the inspection chain. Discussing environments with ubiquitous and intermittent connectivity. Culminating in a framework to address common real-world pain points such as poor scan repeatability, weak chains of custody, and costly rescans due to over-processed data.