Integration of continuous improvement strategies with Industry 4.0: a systematic review and agenda for further research

S. Vinodh*, Jiju Antony, Rohit Agrawal, Jacqueline Ann Douglas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

94 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the history, trends and needs of continuous improvement (CI) and Industry 4.0. Four strategies are reviewed, namely, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and Sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach: Digitalization and CI practices contribute to a major transformation in industrial practices. There exists a need to amalgamate Industry 4.0 technologies with CI strategies to ensure significant benefits. A systematic literature review methodology has been followed to review CI strategy and Industry 4.0 papers (n = 92).

Findings: Various frameworks of Industry 4.0, their advantages and disadvantages were explored. A conceptual framework integrating CI strategies and Industry 4.0 is being presented in this paper.

Practical implications: The benefits and practical application of the developed framework has been presented.

Originality/value: The article is an attempt to review CI strategies with Industry 4.0. A conceptual framework for the integration is also being presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)441-472
Number of pages32
JournalTQM Journal
Volume33
Issue number2
Early online date24 Aug 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Continuous improvement
  • Frameworks
  • Industry 4.0
  • Lean
  • Six Sigma
  • Strategies
  • Sustainability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Decision Sciences
  • Business and International Management
  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • Strategy and Management

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