In manufacturing and service organizations, quality management is fundamental to the success of the business. With the fourth industrial revolution, digital technology has revolutionized the management of quality. Quality 4.0 is a new approach that leverages digital technology to improve product quality and operational efficiency, which can lead to a competitive advantage. This scientific paper aims to explore the adoption of Quality 4.0 in organizations and its benefits, cons, readiness factors, and reasons for non-adoption.
According to a survey conducted, 45% of organizations have already implemented Quality 4.0. The handling of big data is the most significant benefit of adopting the system. However, lack of resources, high implementation costs, and lack of knowledge in introducing and developing Quality 4.0 were identified as cons. The study identified that strategic planning, top management commitment, and the integration of the quality culture throughout the organization are essential for technological transformation.
The authors suggest that senior quality professionals can use the study's findings to undertake implementing Quality 4.0 effectively. The research also found that the leadership factor was the most crucial factor in predicting Quality 4.0 adoption, with a positive correlation. Digital transformation readiness is vital for organizations, and readiness factors include knowledge resources, employee engagement and involvement, communication, training, and customer and supplier involvement.
The study emphasizes the importance of developing enabling technologies such as IoT, Big Data, and artificial intelligence for improving organizational performance and knowledge. While implementing Quality 4.0 can have benefits such as improving operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and increasing revenue for organizations, it can also face barriers such as financial issues, cultural resistance, and lack of competencies.
To overcome these barriers, organizations must prepare adequately for change and ensure organizational readiness in terms of strategy, leadership, technology, process, innovation, and people. Furthermore, adopting Quality 4.0 practices can result in effective process control plans, less thorough inspection of raw materials and purchased parts from qualified suppliers, monitoring of suppliers for timely delivery, and suppliers' commitment to maintaining a long-term relationship with their customers.
In conclusion, Quality 4.0 is an innovative approach that can significantly improve the management of quality in organizations. Investment in enabling technologies, readiness factors, and effective implementation can lead to tremendous benefits. With senior management commitment and the integration of a quality culture, organizations can achieve a competitive advantage in the digital age.
Authors
Antony, J., Sony, M., McDermott, O., Jayaraman, R., & Flynn, D. (2023). An exploration of organizational readiness factors for Quality 4.0: an intercontinental study and future research directions. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 40(2), 582-606. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-10-2021-0357