In today's fast-paced business environment, companies must focus on improving the quality of their products and services to remain competitive. The integration of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has led to a new approach called Quality 4.0, which emphasizes the application of digital technologies and data-driven insights for continuous improvement and innovation.
A recent scientific paper presented the findings of a literature review on the integration of prescriptive analytics in Quality 4.0. Prescriptive analytics is a type of data analytics that uses algorithms and mathematical models to make recommendations for future actions. The study demonstrated that incorporating prescriptive analytics can help organizations achieve higher levels of quality management by providing real-time recommendations for process improvement and optimization.
One of the main benefits of using prescriptive analytics in Quality 4.0 is the ability to prioritize quality issues and recommend solutions more effectively. By analyzing data from various sources and identifying patterns, prescriptive analytics can provide meaningful insights that facilitate informed decision-making. Furthermore, prescriptive analytics can help companies reduce costs, increase efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and boost overall organizational performance.
In addition to prescriptive analytics, Quality 4.0 requires a holistic approach to quality management that leverages digital technologies and data-driven insights. The study identified critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Quality 4.0/TQM 4.0, including process management, product/service design, and the use of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-physical systems (CPS), and AI.
Quality 4.0 also emphasizes the importance of customer participation in the design process and design thinking in team activities to promote organizational coherence. It is crucial to note that companies must invest in training their employees to develop the skills necessary to implement Quality 4.0 successfully. By doing so, businesses can improve their employees' loyalty and competence, leading to improved business outcomes. In today's post-Covid-19 business environment, automation and digital technologies will play a significant role. Therefore, companies must embrace Quality 4.0 to remain competitive.
In conclusion, the integration of prescriptive analytics in Quality 4.0 can significantly enhance a company's quality management practices, leading to improved organizational performance, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, profitability. Moreover, implementing Quality 4.0/TQM 4.0 can enable businesses to save time, cost, and effort by leveraging the common success factors of TQM and I4.0. By adopting these new practices, businesses can remain competitive in the future business environment.
Authors
Ali, K., & Johl, S. K. (2022). Soft and hard TQM practices: future research agenda for industry 4.0. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 33(13-14), 1625-1655. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2021.1985448