Exploring the Synergy between Industry 4.0, Quality 4.0, and Lean Production for Improved Quality in Manufacturing

Abstract

The manufacturing industry has experienced significant changes with the advent of technological advancements. Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 have emerged as new paradigms focusing on the use of digital technologies to enhance efficiency and quality in manufacturing. Additionally, the long-established lean approach aims to minimize waste and improve overall quality. Integrating these approaches with Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 has the potential to transform the industry by optimizing quality, efficiency, and profitability. Therefore, this study aims to explore the interconnections between lean, Industry 4.0, and Quality 4.0, and their impact on quality in manufacturing. The research begins by providing the necessary background, starting with a comprehensive examination of the concept of quality. Subsequently, the study presents an overview of lean principles, followed by an analysis of the concepts of Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0. The theoretical framework also explores the relationship between these concepts. Following the theoretical analysis, the empirical part of the study was conducted using a survey questionnaire. The survey was distributed to 190 medium-sized manufacturing companies in Finland, ultimately receiving responses from 44 organizations. This survey aimed to gather practical insights into the implementation of lean, Industry 4.0, and Quality 4.0 practices within the manufacturing context. Based on the findings derived from the survey data, lean tools have a broader adoption compared to Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 practices. Moreover, implementing these tools and practices has shown a positive impact on company performance, sparking a growing interest among companies to explore and implement additional tools. The survey also highlights a strong inclination among organizations to embrace Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 practices, showcasing their increasing recognition of the potential benefits and transformative capabilities of these innovative methodologies in driving organizational success.