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1 – 3 of 3Arish Ibrahim and Gulshan Kumar
This study aims to explore the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with lean six sigma practices in the manufacturing sector for enhanced process improvement.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with lean six sigma practices in the manufacturing sector for enhanced process improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach to identify critical Industry 4.0 technologies that can be harmonized with Lean Six Sigma methodologies for achieving improved processes in manufacturing.
Findings
The research reveals that key technologies such as modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, big data analytics, automation and industrial robots and smart sensors are paramount for achieving operational excellence when integrated with Lean Six Sigma.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the identification of pivotal Industry 4.0 technologies for Lean Six Sigma integration in manufacturing. Further studies can explore the implementation challenges and the quantifiable benefits of such integrations.
Practical implications
Integrating Industry 4.0 technologies with Lean Six Sigma enhances manufacturing efficiency. This approach leverages AI for predictive analysis, uses smart sensors for energy efficiency and adaptable robots for flexible production. It is vital for competitive advantage, significantly improving decision-making, reducing costs and streamlining operations in the manufacturing sector.
Social implications
The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with Lean Six Sigma in manufacturing has significant social implications. It promotes job creation in high-tech sectors, necessitating advanced skill development and continuous learning among the workforce. This shift fosters an innovative, knowledge-based economy, potentially reducing the skills gap. Additionally, it enhances workplace safety through automation, reduces hazardous tasks for workers and contributes to environmental sustainability by optimizing resource use and reducing waste in manufacturing processes.
Originality/value
This study offers a novel perspective on synergizing advanced Industry 4.0 technologies with established Lean Six Sigma practices for enhanced process improvement in manufacturing. The findings can guide industries in prioritizing their technological adoptions for continuous improvement.
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Keywords
Common availability of digital technologies encouraged companies in almost all industries to focus on exploring various ways of benefiting from their adoption and thus taking…
Abstract
Purpose
Common availability of digital technologies encouraged companies in almost all industries to focus on exploring various ways of benefiting from their adoption and thus taking steps toward their digital transformation. This paper aims to describe the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a challenging opportunity and identify ways in which companies from the food industry address it.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents empirical evidence based on a case study of the Polish freeze-drying market and companies operating on it. This study adopted a single case study research method to describe the digital transformation journey of SMEs. The sample constitutes a single sectoral case study with more than one unit of analysis – sixteen companies. The undertaken approach follows an embedded case study design and allows for an extensive and multidimensional analysis of rich empirical data.
Findings
The results of this analysis allowed to identify four significant trends describing human resources involvement in the digital transformation of freeze-drying companies in Poland (i.e. visionary top-down, cooperative task-oriented, persuasive bottom-up, chaotic), a detailed catalog of outcomes of digital transformation from the perspective of food industry companies grouped in seven categories and a list of main barriers to digital transformation.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to expanding knowledge on the practices of food industry companies in addressing challenges posed by the development of information technology and the dynamically changing environment after the COVID-19 pandemic. It contributes further to the discussion related to context-, industry- and country-specific barriers to digital transformation, identifying time-related constraints as an essential barrier to digital transformation.
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Keywords
Wajiha Mohsin Shahzad, Siddenki Mahender Reddy, Ravindu Kahandawa and James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi
The ascendancy of modular offsite construction (MOSC) over traditional construction methods is well known. Despite the known potential of this construction approach, its adoption…
Abstract
Purpose
The ascendancy of modular offsite construction (MOSC) over traditional construction methods is well known. Despite the known potential of this construction approach, its adoption is minimal in New Zealand construction industry. This article investigates the potential benefits of using MOSC for delivery of high-rise buildings in New Zealand, underlying factors responsible for its low uptake and the measures that can facilitate its improved uptake.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilised a mixed research approach. An empirical questionnaire survey was carried out with New Zealand construction industry professionals with expertise in MOSC. Factor analysis of survey data was carried out using SPSS software. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with subject matter experts to get further insights and expand the survey findings. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Study identified benefits of MOSC, thus establishing potential of its uptake for high-rise building construction. Constraining factors were investigated, most pronounced being low level of skills in construction industry to design, manufacture and integrate supply chain of MOSC, high initial investment, high cost of importing modules and negative perception about offsite manufactured buildings. This study also highlighted the enablers to improve uptake of MOSC. These enablers included; loan and mortgage policies to suit MOSC paradigm, building regulations to support OSC industry, increased support from the government and awareness and acceptance of standardised building designs among the clients.
Originality/value
Originality of this paper harps from little to no research carried out to investigate use of MOSC for high-rise buildings in New Zealand context.
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