The industrial system has undergone a significant transformation in the 21st century, thanks to Industry 4.0. This revolution in the manufacturing industry has brought about many changes such as digitalization and decentralization, which have allowed for automated processes and machine learning. As a result, series production with low scrap rates and increased time efficiency has become possible. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and Big Data has played a significant role in these improvements.
The ultimate aim of Industry 4.0 is to achieve a certain level of Quality 4.0, which requires the whole organization to cooperate and make changes. The Covid-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of Industry 4.0, as remote working has become the norm in many industries. In Hungary, the state has announced subsidies to help SMEs adapt to global industry trends and improve their competitiveness.
Quality 4.0 is crucial in making maximum and appropriate use of the technological advancements of Industry 4.0. The main technologies used in Quality 4.0 include cyber-physical production systems (CPPS), machine-to-machine communication (M2M), and artificial intelligence (AI). In a modern factory, production has five main elements, and quality management is essential to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards. Big Data and modern data analysis methods have opened up new possibilities for processing information.
A paper discussing the concept of Quality 4.0 has identified eight supporting principles through literature review, surveys, interviews, and sharing of outcomes with different organizations. One of these principles is co-creation of value, where customers and companies generate value through interaction, such as Uber's on-demand taxi service. Another principle is mutual trust, which is crucial for transparency and effective data handling within and between companies in a supply chain. Cybernetics is also an essential principle, which allows for the dynamic management of a system by collecting data from various sources, as seen in smart homes and BMW's manufacturing line.
The paper also highlights the effectiveness of Quality 4.0 implementations from state-funded programs, with PNH Ltd being a case study. PNH Ltd is an export-oriented company that produces pellet-fired fireplaces and boilers, and they implemented Industry 4.0 elements, such as PLC-controlled automated bending machines, through government funding.
The implementation of Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 principles in PNH Ltd has resulted in a reduction of scrap rates, decreased production time, and improved product quality and cost-efficiency. They also used MES and Ulysses enterprise management system to collect real-time data and monitor customer and employee satisfaction. The company increased its net sales and expanded its factory with the help of the government-funded Széchenyi 2020 program.
In conclusion, Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 have brought about significant changes in the industrial system, enabling companies to produce high-quality products with greater efficiency. The eight principles of Quality 4.0 are crucial in ensuring that companies can adapt to changing industry trends and improve their competitiveness. The case study of PNH Ltd is an excellent example of how state-funded programs can help companies implement Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 principles to improve their operations and increase their profitability.
Authors
Kicska B., Nagy V., Szadeczky T. (2022), Quality 4.0 on the small scale, International Conference on Quality Engineering and Management, https://publicacoes.riqual.org/icqem-22-1039-1050/