Key factors in operational excellence for Industry 4.0: an empirical study and maturity model in emerging countries
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 18 April 2023
Issue publication date: 17 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a maturity model to indicate the operational excellence (OE) implementation status of businesses in emerging countries, considering its importance in Industry 4.0.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involves four steps. First, undertake a study of the literature to identify the variables to consider in the maturity model; second, identify how to organize the variables found in the first step; third, structure a questionnaire to define the maturity model; and lastly, validate the variables found in the literature and the maturity levels.
Findings
A total of 23 variables were validated through interviews with general managers, operation managers and experts within organizations. Interviews were carried out in 49 companies from different sectors. Five maturity levels were defined in this study: basic level, beginner level, training level, innovative level and champion level.
Originality/value
Many businesses are implementing OE as a practice to remain competitive in their industries, targeting economic, environmental and social sustainability. However, OE implementation in companies from developing or emerging countries is far below the average level of that in developed companies due to cultural, political or economic constraints. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no model that indicates the status of OE implementation in companies from emerging countries or the different levels to implement OE. This study fills the mentioned gap.
Keywords
Citation
Henriquez, R., Muñoz-Villamizar, A. and Santos, J. (2023), "Key factors in operational excellence for Industry 4.0: an empirical study and maturity model in emerging countries", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 34 No. 5, pp. 771-792. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-09-2022-0330
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited