ENHANCING DATA-DRIVEN SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DIGITAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING

The transformation to sustainable manufacturing requires more than isolated environmental initiatives; it is also necessary to integrate smart, data driven systems that both improve operational efficiency and minimize waste. With increasing global competition and stricter environmental regulations, industrial companies are increasingly turning to digital transformation as a way to balance quality management with sustainability goals. This study examines how the digitization of quality management processes—through the deployment of modern tools such as CAQ (Computer-Aided Quality) systems, digital platforms can directly lead to environmental and operational sustainability in the automotive industry. The research is based on data collected at an automotive component manufacturing company that transitioned from a paper-based documentation system to a fully digital quality management workflow. The analysis compares process performance indicators before and after digitization, focusing on error rate development and response speed to problems. The results show consistent improvement in all areas monitored. Most notably, the average release time of the production decreased from 1:23:44 in the paper-based system to 00:46:01 in the digital system, representing a 45% reduction. Digital tools not only speed up problem identification but also enable more detailed traceability of production across the entire value chain. Furthermore, the number of administrative steps in the release process was reduced from 14 to 11, simplifying the workflow and minimizing unnecessary handling. In addition to operational benefits, the transition to a paperless and fully traceable environment has also brought clear environmental advantages. The reduction of waste caused by errors, the optimization of raw material usage, and the reduced energy intensity of repair processes have supported the fulfilment of the company's environmental commitments. In addition, the availability of real-time data has enabled the development of predictive and preventive strategies, gradually reducing the environmental footprint of production. The article presents a reference module that links digital quality management tools with sustainability indicators and shows how continuous data collection, advanced analytics, and feedback can serve as inputs for continuous process optimization. The findings underscore the strategic role of digitalization in achieving operational excellence and fulfilling business goals. The study concludes with practical recommendations for organizations that want to integrate traceability metrics into their quality management systems and ensure long-term competitiveness in the face of growing pressure for efficient and environmentally friendly management.