A method of sequentially performing a plurality of jointing operations, the method comprising: positioning an automated device to form a mechanical joint into a workpiece (W); forming a joint into the workpiece (W) with the automated device ; scanning the workpiece (W) to generate data indicating the surface geometry of the workpiece (W) at a location including the joint ; identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry, the geometric features indicating the quality of the joint; and if the identified geometric features are within respective predetermined specification thresholds, repositioning the automated device to form a subsequent mechanical joint into the workpiece, wherein scanning the workpiece includes: projecting a line of light across the workpiece (W) at the location including the joint ; and detecting a contour of the line of light , wherein the surface geometry is indicated by the contour,said method being characterized in that : - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head , - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height (H) differential within the contour , identifying the height (H) of the head above the surface of the workpiece (W) surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour . positioning an automated device to form a mechanical joint into a workpiece (W); forming a joint into the workpiece (W) with the automated device ; scanning the workpiece (W) to generate data indicating the surface geometry of the workpiece (W) at a location including the joint ; identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry, the geometric features indicating the quality of the joint; and if the identified geometric features are within respective predetermined specification thresholds, repositioning the automated device to form a subsequent mechanical joint into the workpiece, wherein scanning the workpiece includes: projecting a line of light across the workpiece (W) at the location including the joint ; and detecting a contour of the line of light , wherein the surface geometry is indicated by the contour,said method being characterized in that : - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head , - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height (H) differential within the contour , identifying the height (H) of the head above the surface of the workpiece (W) surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour . projecting a line of light across the workpiece (W) at the location including the joint ; and detecting a contour of the line of light , wherein the surface geometry is indicated by the contour,said method being characterized in that : - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head , - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height (H) differential within the contour , identifying the height (H) of the head above the surface of the workpiece (W) surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour . - the joint is formed with a fastener having a head , - identifying one or more geometric features of the surface geometry includes: identifying the presence of the joint based on a height (H) differential within the contour , identifying the height (H) of the head above the surface of the workpiece (W) surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour . identifying the presence of the joint based on a height (H) differential within the contour , identifying the height (H) of the head above the surface of the workpiece (W) surrounding the head based on a height differential within the contour . <EOS>