The verdict in three sentences
A tablet app for incoming goods quality inspection costs between EUR 25,000 and 50,000 excl. VAT for a mid-sized aerospace supplier in Berlin. It links each received batch to its material certificate, applies the item's inspection plan and opens a non-conformity in two taps, with traceability compliant with EN 9100. The observed gain is around 45 minutes per batch, the equivalent of a half-time inspector for 1,500 batches a year.
Paper, ERP module or dedicated app: the comparison
Paper sheets cause three problems in audits: illegible handwriting, material certificates filed separately, and no fast way to retrieve a supplier's history. Three solutions are possible.
| Criterion | Paper sheets + Excel | ERP quality module | Custom tablet app |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 0 | EUR 15,000 to 40,000 configuration | EUR 25,000 to 50,000 |
| Annual cost | Filing and data-entry time | EUR 6,000 to 15,000 additional licenses | EUR 4,000 to 8,000 maintenance |
| Inspection time per batch | 75 to 90 minutes | 60 to 70 minutes (fixed workstation) | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Photos and measurements | Filed separately | Often not supported | Attached to the batch |
| Material certificate link | Paper binder | Manual attachment | Automatic reading and matching |
| EN 9100 audit preparation | 2 to 3 days | 1 day | 2 to 3 hours |
| Use on the receiving floor | Yes | No, fixed workstation | Yes, rugged tablet |
2026 order of magnitude: a rugged tablet costs EUR 900 to 1,600 excl. VAT each, on top of development.
Features and budget by module
Scope must match the real receiving process: truck arrival, batch identification, document check, dimensional or visual inspection, decision.
| Module | Content | Indicative cost excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving and identification | Barcode or QR scan, link to purchase order | EUR 3,500 to 6,000 |
| Inspection plans per item | Characteristics, tolerances, sampling frequency (ISO 2859) | EUR 5,000 to 10,000 |
| Document check | 3.1 material certificate, grade compliance, heat number | EUR 4,000 to 8,000 |
| Measurements and photos | Guided entry, out-of-tolerance values in red, annotated photos | EUR 4,000 to 8,000 |
| Non-conformities | NCR, concession, return to supplier, corrective actions | EUR 4,000 to 9,000 |
| ERP integration | Release batch to stock, quarantine block | EUR 3,000 to 6,000 |
| Supplier KPIs | NC rate, delays, quarterly rating | EUR 1,500 to 3,000 |
Offline mode is essential: receiving areas often have weak Wi-Fi coverage. The tablet stores inspections and syncs them as soon as the network returns.
EN 9100 requirements to build in from day one
- Traceability: each measurement is time-stamped and signed by an identified inspector, with no silent edits.
- Retention: aerospace quality records are often kept 10 years or more depending on customer requirements.
- Version control: a modified inspection plan must not alter inspections already performed.
- Counterfeit parts: flagging and blocking of suspect batches, a reinforced requirement of EN 9100:2018.
Typical timeline: scoping with quality and receiving (3 weeks), development (8 to 14 weeks), pilot on one item family (3 weeks), rollout. Hosting in Germany also eases GDPR and works council (Betriebsrat) discussions about inspector data.
Mini case study
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Julian, quality manager of a 180-employee aerospace supplier in Berlin, receives 1,500 batches a year. On paper, each batch takes 80 minutes on average, including inspection, data entry and filing. The app brings this down to 35 minutes, saving 45 minutes per batch.
Calculation: 1,500 batches x 45 minutes = 1,125 hours a year. At EUR 45 per loaded inspector hour, the gain reaches EUR 50,600 a year. The project costs EUR 41,000 excl. VAT, plus 4 tablets at EUR 1,200 and EUR 6,000 of annual maintenance. Initial investment: EUR 45,800, paid back in just under 12 months. Surveillance audit preparation drops from 3 days to half a day.
FAQ
How much does an incoming inspection app cost in Berlin in 2026?
Between EUR 25,000 and 50,000 excl. VAT depending on modules and ERP integration. Add EUR 900 to 1,600 per rugged tablet.
Is the app compatible with an EN 9100 audit?
Yes, if it guarantees measurement traceability, inspector signatures and version control of inspection plans. These requirements are built in from design and tested during acceptance.
Does it work without a network connection?
Yes, offline mode lets inspectors handle dozens of batches without a network. Sync happens automatically when the connection returns.
Can it connect to our ERP?
Yes, via API or file exchange, to release or block batches in stock. This connector represents EUR 3,000 to 6,000 depending on the ERP.
How long does the project take?
Plan 3 to 5 months, with a 3-week pilot on one item family before full rollout.
Let's scope your project. Share your receiving volumes, inspection plans and ERP, and we will price an app with a 3 to 5 month timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
