Systems and methods for welding are described. The welding system can include, for example, a welding power source, a welding torch, and a computer. The computer and the welding torch can be operatively coupled to the power source. A first weld is performed and its signature is saved by the computer. It is considered a high quality weld and is selected as a weld reference. A second weld is performed and its signature is saved by the computer. The computer then computes a single weld confidence result for the second weld based on a comparison between the signature data of the second weld and the signature data of the reference weld. A weld fault condition is triggered based on the single weld confidence result which causes the welding system to stop or to modify the welding operation, and/or which causes the welding system to send out communications relating to the triggering of the weld fault condition.