Why USL has adopted DICONDE as the gold standard for NDT data

In industries where components are expected to remain in service for decades, how inspection data is stored is rarely a trivial question. Proprietary file formats, fragmented archives, and hardware-specific software create compounding risks: data that cannot be retrieved, shared, or trusted when it is needed most.

DICONDE — the Digital Imaging and Communication in Nondestructive Evaluation standard — addresses this directly. Built on the foundations of the well-established DICOM medical imaging standard, it provides a universal file structure that works across hardware manufacturers and software platforms, eliminating the risk of vendor lock-in and ensuring data remains accessible regardless of future equipment changes.

Unlike conventional image formats, a DICONDE file is a self-contained record. Inspection parameters, date and time stamps, and inspector credentials are encoded directly into the file structure, creating an unalterable chain of evidence that satisfies the requirements of regulatory audits and safety reviews without reliance on separate documentation systems.

For Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs operating across complex supply chains, the collaborative benefits are equally significant. DICONDE-compliant data can be shared and reviewed across organisations without conversion or specialist software, reducing the need for redundant testing and accelerating the decisions that depend on reliable inspection results. Because component and project metadata is embedded directly into each file, large databases of records also become searchable by specific criteria such as component ID or weld number — removing significant administrative overhead.

The standard is also designed for longevity. A scan captured today can be accurately interpreted thirty years from now, without dependence on specific software versions or proprietary licences. As the sector’s digital transformation continues, USL remains committed to DICONDE-compliant capability across its inspection system portfolio, providing clients with the tools to protect both the integrity of their assets and the confidence of those who depend on them.