Quality management has always been a critical aspect of any organization's operations. However, with the rise of Industry 4.0, there is a need for a new approach to quality management, one that integrates innovative technologies such as big data analytics, Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber-physical systems (CPS). This approach is known as Quality 4.0, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way organizations approach quality management.
In a recent scientific paper, the authors discuss the concept of Quality 4.0 and its relationship with Industry 4.0. The paper presents a holistic framework to represent Quality 4.0 using a people process technology (PPT) meta-framework. The authors used systems thinking and conceptual modeling techniques to develop the framework, which addresses research questions related to the state-of-the-art of quality management in the context of The paper is structured into five sections, including a literature review of the background of quality management and Industry 4.0, an integrative review of extant literature of Quality 4.0, and a conceptual framework. The paper provides a review of key developments in Quality Management (QM) research and Industry 4.0. QM research has been ongoing since the late 1980s, with works focusing on critical factors, interdependence of practices, and impact on performance. Industry 4.0 is characterized by IT-integrated process ecosystems and leverages technologies such as IoT, better connectivity, and new modes of production. Quality 4.0 is the integration of QM with Industry 4.0 and is not just about technology or creative teamwork.
The paper identifies three major themes in Quality 4.0 literature: Motivators for Quality 4.0 adoption, Building blocks for Quality 4.0, and Challenges in the implementation of Quality 4.0. The key challenges in implementing Quality 4.0 are consistent with the challenges in the implementation of Industry 4.0. The paper emphasizes the importance of the human aspect in Quality 4.0, particularly Leadership, Culture, and Competency. Top management commitment is a critical success factor for the implementation of Quality 4.0.
The authors also discuss the importance of quality professionals in leading digital transformation (DT) efforts in organizations. Quality managers can serve as change agents by aligning the organization towards the vision of DT and integrating the dimensions of people, process, and technology. The paper emphasizes the importance of leadership and culture in successful DT implementation, with a focus on developing a culture of innovation and investing in building competencies and skills required for Industry 4.0. The integration of organizational processes and management systems is also crucial for achieving process maturity in the Industry 4.0 context, with a focus on data centralization and decision de-centralization.
The paper also discusses the integration of different management systems, such as Human Resource Management, Manufacturing Operations Management, and Customer Relationship Management, through the use of technology. By adopting Enterprise Quality Management Systems software, organizations can achieve vertical integration by collecting data from all processes within the organization, and horizontal integration by connecting members of the supply chain and collaborators via sharing information and other key resources.
Furthermore, the article highlights the use of new technologies, such as Non-Fungible Tokens or ledgers in Blockchain, which can lead to greater credibility and transparency in financial and process auditing. Data quality is also key for smart factories, and organizations have started to use big data for decision making. The use of analytics in QM can help decision making through decision support systems or completely automate them, and advanced analytics ensure real-time information and transparency for data-driven decision making.
The article proposes a Quality 4.0 conceptual framework that integrates the dimensions of people, process, and technology to build the necessary capabilities for meeting customer and societal requirements. The framework identifies various attributes such as leadership, culture, competency, integration, management systems, compliance, data, data analysis, connectivity, and scalability that contribute to achieving Quality 4.0. Organizations may need to develop a multifaceted approach to integrate various strategic, cultural, and technological approaches to achieve Quality 4.0 maturity. Additionally, the article suggests that organizations should focus on developing relevant strategies, competencies, and culture to avoid overwhelming the organizational system and ensure a smooth transition to digital transformation.
In conclusion, Quality 4.0 is a new approach to quality management in the context of Industry 4.0. It has the potential to revolutionize the way organizations approach quality management by integrating innovative technologies and focusing on the human aspect of quality management. The proposed Quality 4.0 conceptual framework provides a foundation for future studies on Quality 4.0 in different contexts.
Authors
Ranjith Kumar, R., Ganesh, L. S., & Rajendran, C. (2022). Quality 4.0–a review of and framework for quality management in the digital era. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 39(6), 1385-1411. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-05-2021-0150