<p>In today's competitive business landscape, organizations are constantly striving to increase their market share and profitability. This is particularly true in the Indian furniture industry, which is experiencing rapid growth due to factors such as increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing lifestyles. As the market becomes more competitive, it is essential for furniture manufacturers to focus on product quality, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and manufacturing costs. In this context, implementing Quality 4.0, which combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, can be a game-changer for the industry.</p>
<h3>The Rise of the Indian Furniture Industry</h3>
<p>The Indian furniture industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. While the market is currently dominated by unorganized players, organized players are gradually gaining ground. Wooden furniture remains the most popular segment, followed by plastic and metal furniture. However, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable furniture made from materials like bamboo and cane. The industry has also benefited from the rise of e-commerce, which has opened up new avenues for growth.</p>
<h3>Understanding Quality 4.0</h3>
<p>Quality 4.0 refers to the use of advanced technology and digital tools to improve the quality of products and manufacturing processes. It is an approach that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to produce high-quality furniture that meets the needs and preferences of consumers. Quality 4.0 is closely related to Industry 4.0, which is the fourth industrial revolution driven by technologies like cloud computing and robotics. By leveraging digital technologies, furniture manufacturers can enhance product quality, increase efficiency, and better manage their supply chains.</p>
<h3>Identifying Organizational Variables for Quality 4.0 Implementation</h3>
<p>Implementing Quality 4.0 in the Indian furniture industry comes with its own set of challenges. To address these challenges, it is crucial to understand the organizational variables (OVs) that are important for successful implementation. Researchers have recognized the need to identify and prioritize these OVs to ensure effective and efficient implementation of Quality 4.0. By understanding the significance of these variables, organizations can make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.</p>
<h3>Research Methodology and Findings</h3>
<p>To investigate the essential OVs for Quality 4.0 implementation, a research study was conducted in the Indian furniture industry. A semi-structured interview with industry experts was conducted to recognize the fundamental OVs. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) multicriteria decision-making tool was then used to prioritize these OVs. The study identified four major categories of OVs: digitalization, design, continuous improvement, and employee training and up-skilling. Within these categories, specific OVs like automation, design thinking, data analytics, and digital skills training were found to be the most influential.</p>
<h3>Implications for Organizations and Academia</h3>
<p>The findings of this study have important implications for both practitioners and academicians. For furniture manufacturers, understanding and prioritizing the essential OVs can provide a roadmap for successful Quality 4.0 implementation. By leveraging digital technologies, organizations can enhance product quality, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, the study enriches the understanding of how these variables influence the success of Quality 4.0 implementation in the context of the Indian furniture industry. From an academic perspective, the study contributes to the existing literature on Quality 4.0 and provides empirical evidence and insights into the critical OVs needed for effective implementation.</p>
<h3>Conclusion and Future Research</h3>
<p>In conclusion, the implementation of Quality 4.0 in the Indian furniture industry has the potential to revolutionize the way furniture manufacturers operate. By embracing digital technologies, organizations can enhance their competitiveness, efficiency, and product quality. The study identified and prioritized the essential OVs for successful implementation, providing valuable insights for both practitioners and academicians. Future research could explore other multicriteria decision-making techniques and further analyze the identified barriers to Quality 4.0 implementation.</p>
<h3>Reference</h3>
<p>Mittal A.; Sachan S.; Kumar V.; Vardhan S.; Verma P.; Kaswan M.S.; Garza-Reyes J.A. (2023). Essential organizational variables for the implementation of Quality 4.0: empirical evidence from the Indian furniture industry. TQM Journal, (), -, DOI: <a href=https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-06-2023-0189>10.1108/TQM-06-2023-0189</a>.</p>