The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0), has given rise to a new approach to quality management, known as Quality 4.0 (Q4.0). Q4.0 aims to link quality control with I4.0 to achieve enterprise efficiency, innovation and performance. This new approach is defined as the digital transformation of total quality management (TQM) and its implication on people, processes, and technology. Q4.0 utilizes I4.0 technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization to improve performance, timely decision-making, transparency, and visibility.
Cloud computing, cyber-physical systems (CPS), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are adopted to ensure quality performance, quality design, and conformance quality for successful implementation of Q4.0. Quality professionals must anticipate the shift in business models and incorporate new ideas to adopt innovation and new technology in a changing environment. Q4.0 will lead to a rebirth and a new career for quality experts.
Transparency and accuracy of data are essential for the successful implementation of Q4.0. With the large amount of data generated by I4.0 CPSs, it is essential to ensure that the data is accurate and reliable. The integration of data from various sources requires transparency, ensuring that the data is easily accessible and understood.
Implementing Q4.0 requires a combination of factors, including data, analytics, connectivity, collaboration, development of APP, scalability, compliance, organizational culture, leadership, and training. The use of I4.0 technologies such as CPSs, big data, AI, and IoT can help organizations improve their quality management programs, and achieve better performance measures, including cost savings, improved flexibility, and enhanced product quality.
Cultural changes are also necessary for implementing Q4.0. Clan culture focuses on employee cohesion and teamwork, while adhocratic culture encourages innovation, creativity, and risk-taking. A culture of continuous improvement, learning, and collaboration is essential for successful implementation of Q4.0 in the digital transformation era. Leaders need to establish this culture to enable employees to embrace new technologies and drive innovation.
Training and education are crucial for the successful execution of Q4.0, requiring specific skills, such as big data analytics, RFID tags, IT, critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork, and social skill. Q4.0 is a combination of digital advances that utilize fewer resources to achieve maximum output in the production system's complexities. The implementation of Q4.0 requires a supportive organizational culture that values quality and uses cutting-edge technology.
The scientific paper highlights the key factors for the successful implementation of Q4.0, which include data, analytics, connectivity, collaboration, development of apps, scalability, compliance, organizational culture, leadership, and training. Future research should focus on the application of big data in design quality, performance, and conformity, as well as the integration of ISO 9001, CPS, and Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) method with Q4.0. The paper also highlights the need to investigate the long-term impact of organizational culture and the pros and cons of Q4.0 for different types of organizations.
Overall, Q4.0 is an innovative approach that utilizes modern digital tools to achieve excellence in quality control, improvement, and planning. The implementation of Q4.0 requires a consistent competitive strategy, a hierarchical culture, and leadership that supports innovation and process learning. Cultural changes, training, and education are also necessary for successful implementation, requiring specific skills and a supportive organizational culture. With its focus on improving quality management programs and achieving better performance measures, Q4.0 is set to revolutionize manufacturing processes and lead to a new career for quality experts.
Authors
Thekkoote, R. (2022). Enabler toward successful implementation of Quality 4.0 in digital transformation era: a comprehensive review and future research agenda. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-07-2021-0206