Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a new manufacturing paradigm that integrates computation tools, networking devices, and physical processes to create Cyber Physical Systems (CPS). This paradigm shift has led to the emergence of Quality 4.0, which refers to the digitization of quality using modern technologies in the context of Industry 4.0. Quality Management (QM) has undergone a transformation from compliance-orientation to improvement-orientation and business management-orientation. However, there is a gap in the literature and an insufficient understanding of complexity of QM issues in real-world situations of I4.0.
To address this gap, a group of researchers conducted a systematic literature review to identify 51 papers related to QM in I4.0. They then used a Multi-Dimensional Analysis (MA) approach to present the findings in a structured manner. The MA framework consists of six dimensions and 41 variants, which helped identify 367 research gaps in the field.
The first dimension is Production and Operations Function context, which focuses on the specific QM issues within sub-systems of a production system. The associated variants include fabrication, machining, assembly, and inspection and testing. The second dimension is Scope of QM Activities, which examines the nature and scope of QM activities in the Industry 4.0 context. The associated variants include quality planning, quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement. The third dimension is Enabling Technologies, which includes standalone technologies such as IoT, big data and analytics, and other smart production technologies.
The fourth dimension is Smart Capabilities of QM Function, which refers to the organizational and managerial competencies required to attain quality control, assurance, and improvement goals through digitalization. The associated variants include expanded workforce intelligence, speed and quality of decision-making, enhanced transparency and traceability of data, anticipate and adapt to changes, and generate new opportunities for continuous improvement. The remaining two dimensions are the Level of Integration of Quality 4.0 with other I4.0 functions and the Performance Outcomes of Quality 4.0.
The MA framework can help managers anticipate the implications of I4.0 and identify investment opportunities in logical and potentially profitable I4.0 implementations. However, the study has limitations, such as the possibility of missing some studies and the exclusion of the grey literature.
The authors found MA to be an effective approach for generating novel research ideas and developing a conceptual framework for QM and Industry 4.0. They suggest that data quality and process robustness are essential for I4.0 initiatives and that a quality culture is necessary to promote data and technology-driven innovations.
In conclusion, Quality 4.0 is an emerging field that requires an alignment with the new I4.0 paradigm. The MA framework presented in this study provides a structured understanding of the literature on QM in I4.0 and highlights the need for further research. The framework can help managers identify investment opportunities in logical and potentially profitable I4.0 implementations.
Authors
Prashar, A. (2023). Quality management in industry 4.0 environment: a morphological analysis and research agenda. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 40(3), 863-885. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-10-2021-0348