Towards digitalisation of quality management: conceptual framework and case study of auto-component manufacturer

Abstract

PurposeIndustry 4.0-driven digitalisation is said to offer a way to redesign traditional compliance-oriented quality management (QM) models. However, despite a rising academic and practitioner interest, it is still unclear how companies transform their current QM models to meet the real-time needs of the new manufacturing paradigm. The purpose of this study is to explore practices for the digitalisation of QM and to uncover the digitalisation journey.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory research approach of an embedded case study of a multinational auto-component manufacturer was adopted to achieve the research aim.FindingsA guiding framework called the “Quality 4.0 transition framework” was developed based on literature and expert knowledge. The framework is made up of three building blocks, i.e. the foundation of “as-is” digitalisation maturity assessment; pillars representing horizontally and vertically integrated QM processes, and roof signifying reinforcement of total quality management (TQM) principles at all levels.Originality/valueThe study provides empirical evidence of the case company's digitalisation journey to avert product recall due to field failure issues. The study contributes to theory and practice in many ways. First, the study uses empirical data from a real-world case to understand how digitalisation affects QM processes. Next, the guiding framework for the Quality 4.0 transition adds to the existing literature on the digitalisation of business processes.

A multiple-case study on the adoption of customer relationship management and big data analytics in the automotive industry

“…), to share technological skills and customer data. In this way, automotive companies will embrace more forward-looking digital solutions through a "customer value first" approach (Prashar, 2023). This study confirms that following COVID-19, the durable goods industry, which includes the automotive one, experienced acceleration in digital tools' adoption (Hu and Olivieri, 2023).…”

“…Google, Apple …), to share technological skills and customer data. In this way, automotive companies will embrace more forward-looking digital solutions through a “customer value first” approach (Prashar, 2023).…”

Investigating the barriers to Quality 4.0 adoption in the Indian manufacturing sector: insights and implications for industry and policy-making

“…The literature also suggests a requisite overhaul of organizational strategies and supply chain mechanisms to adapt to Quality 4.0, as Prashar (2023) posited. These literature findings are complemented by Chiarini and Cherrafi (2023) and Gunasekaran et al (2019), who discuss how IoT-based data analysis can preempt disruptions, ensuring reliability and operational continuity.…”

“…Establishing a digital quality management ecosystem within the framework of Quality 4.0 demands a convergence of digital processes and QMS via a central data platform (Prashar, 2023; Sureshchandar, 2022). This transformation includes integrating data-driven insights, automation, real-time monitoring and control, predictive maintenance, advanced collaboration, risk management, and compliance (Babatunde, 2020).…”