Quality 4.0 – an evolution of Six Sigma DMAIC

Abstract

Purpose

Manufacturing companies can competitively be recognized among the most advanced and influential companies in the world by successfully implementing Quality 4.0. However, its successful implementation poses one of the most relevant challenges to the Industry 4.0. According to recent surveys, 80%–87% of data science projects never make it to production. Regardless of the low deployment success rate, more than 75% of investors are maintaining or increasing their investments in artificial intelligence (AI). To help quality decision-makers improve the current situation, this paper aims to review Process Monitoring for Quality (PMQ), a Quality 4.0 initiative, along with its practical and managerial implications. Furthermore, a real case study is presented to demonstrate its application.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed Quality 4.0 initiative improves conventional quality control methods by monitoring a process and detecting defective items in real time. Defect detection is formulated as a binary classification problem. Using the same path of Six Sigma define, measure, analyze, improve, control, Quality 4.0-based innovation is guided by Identify, Acsensorize, Discover, Learn, Predict, Redesign and Relearn (IADLPR²) – an ad hoc seven-step problem-solving approach.

Findings

The IADLPR² approach has the ability to identify and solve engineering intractable problems using AI. This is especially intriguing because numerous quality-driven manufacturing decision-makers consistently cite difficulties in developing a business vision for this technology.

Practical implications

From the proposed method, quality-driven decision-makers will learn how to launch a Quality 4.0 initiative, while quality-driven engineers will learn how to systematically solve intractable problems through AI.

Originality/value

An anthology of the own projects enables the presentation of a comprehensive Quality 4.0 initiative and reports the approach’s first case study IADLPR². Each of the steps is used to solve a real General Motors’ case study.

Citation

Escobar, C.A., Macias, D., McGovern, M., Hernandez-de-Menendez, M. and Morales-Menendez, R. (2022), "Quality 4.0 – an evolution of Six Sigma DMAIC", International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. 13 No. 6, pp. 1200-1238. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-05-2021-0091