Unveiling the path to sustainable quality 4.0 implementation in organisations: insights from an exploratory qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the challenges and opportunities that organisations face in implementing Quality 4.0 as an approach to quality management and investigate the current state of Quality 4.0 implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative research methodology to interview senior managers from globally based manufacturing and service industries.

Findings

The study explicates that most organisations implemented Quality 4.0 to improve their flexibility, efficiency, transparency and productivity while focusing on improving service quality, customer satisfaction and reducing cost. In terms of sustainability of Quality 4.0 the key factors found were a consistent effort from the top management, continuous training to employees, building leadership quality and creating a habit of using Quality 4.0.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer useful guidance to organisations desirous of implementing Quality 4.0. In addition, the findings have identified key sustainability factors, helping organisations ensure a successful implementation and long-term returns from Quality 4.0.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge related to Quality 4.0 and help organisations in their digital transformation journey. In addition, it is one of the first studies to investigate the key factors for Quality 4.0 sustainability.

Citation

Swarnakar, V., McDermott, O., Sony, M., Bhat, S. and Antony, J. (2025), "Unveiling the path to sustainable quality 4.0 implementation in organisations: insights from an exploratory qualitative study", The TQM Journal, Vol. 37 No. 2, pp. 566-591. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-07-2023-0201