Towards the proposition of a Lean Automation framework: Integrating Industry 4.0 into Lean Production

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this research is twofold. First, we aim at identifying the pairwise relationships between Lean Production (LP) practices and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. Second, based on these results, we propose a framework for Lean Automation (LA) implementation, in which I4.0 technologies are integrated into LP practices.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve that, a cross-sector survey was performed with 147 manufacturers that are undergoing a LP implementation aided by novel information and communication technologies from I4.0. Multivariate data analysis was applied in order to underpin the proposed framework for LA.

Findings

Findings indicate that I4.0 technologies are positively correlated with LP practices, providing evidence to bear the proposition of a LA framework that can potentially overcome traditional barriers and challenges of a LP implementation.

Originality/value

As previous studies have approached LA implementation from a narrow perspective or including a limited set of LP practices and I4.0 technologies, the proposition of an integrated framework unfolds a wider range of synergistic implementations that may corroborate to a holistic approach for continuous improvement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era.

Citation

Tortorella, G., Sawhney, R., Jurburg, D., de Paula, I.C., Tlapa, D. and Thurer, M. (2021), "Towards the proposition of a Lean Automation framework: Integrating Industry 4.0 into Lean Production", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 593-620. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-01-2019-0032