Claudiu-Alexandru Covaci1, Aurel Mihail Titu2,3 and Camelia Cristina Dragomir-Panzaru4,5
Abstract. Achieving zero-defect performance in contemporary supply chains remains a persistent challenge, particularly under conditions of outsourcing, multi-tier supplier networks, and limited visibility into upstream manufacturing processes. While incoming inspection is widely applied as a quality risk mitigation mechanism, it is frequently treated as a localized acceptance activity rather than as a strategic source of process intelligence. This paper addresses this limitation by examining how incoming inspection data can be systematically linked to supplier process control and governance through a Digital Quality Thread. Drawing on an integrative review of the quality management, supplier governance, inspection optimization, and digital quality assurance literature, the study synthesizes existing evidence into a coherent conceptual framework. The proposed framework positions incoming inspection as the primary measurement interface between buyers and suppliers and demonstrates how digitized and contextualized inspection data can be transformed into early-warning signals, predictive risk indicators, and governance-relevant performance inputs. These signals support supplier process control actions, performance evaluation, and incentive-compatible governance mechanisms aimed at defect prevention rather than reactive correction. The paper further highlights the enabling role of digital QA/QC platforms and traceability mechanisms in sustaining this closed-loop system across organizational boundaries. By linking inspection evidence to supplier accountability and decision-making, the Digital Quality Thread facilitates faster feedback, improved auditability, and coordinated quality management across complex supply chains. The main contribution of this study lies in integrating fragmented research streams into a unified framework that clarifies how incoming inspection can evolve from a gatekeeping function into a central driver of prevention-oriented, zero-defect supply chain management.
Keywords: Digital quality thread, incoming inspection, supplier process control, supplier governance, zero-defect supply chains, quality traceability.
DOI 10.56082/annalsarscieco.2026.2.40
1National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independenței, București, Romania, ORCID No. 0009-0003-2803-0295, covaci_claudiu99@yahoo.com
2Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 10 Victoriei Street, Sibiu, România, Corresponding author, ORCID No. 0000-0002-0054-6535, mihail.titu@ulbsibiu.ro
3Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, Bucharest, Romania
4Transilvania University of Brasov, 29 Eroilor Street, Brasov, Romania, ORCID No. 0000-0002-7537-9217, camelia.dragomir@unitbv.ro
5Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, Bucharest, Romania
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Economy, Law, Sociology, Volume 9 no 2, 2026