A method of generating a welded assembly includes providing a work-hardened steel component. The method also includes annealing a region on the work-hardened steel component to impart a local temper to the region such that formability of the region is increased. The method additionally includes forming a projection on the annealed region. Furthermore, the method includes clamping a panel against the projection and joining the panel and the work-hardened steel component at the projection via a welding apparatus to generate the welded assembly. A system for generating a welded assembly employing the disclosed method and a method of generating a reinforced assembly are also disclosed.