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

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.

Citation

Vinodh, S., Antony, J., Agrawal, R. and Douglas, J.A. (2021), "Integration of continuous improvement strategies with Industry 4.0: a systematic review and agenda for further research", The TQM Journal, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 441-472. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-07-2020-0157