The implementation of the conjunction of Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0: A case study in the Czech Republic

Abstract

As advanced technologies are becoming a natural part of the industrial environment, the influence of these technologies on organizational practices is becoming more expanding. In this paper, an attempt was made to understand the conjunction of Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0. The study was conducted in the Czech Republic and qualitative data was gathered from 10 companies. The information on the benefits, weaknesses and challenges of the conjunction was summarized. For the research purposes literature review and qualitative analysis were performed. It was found out that, although the conjunction is connected with challenges, the perspectives are beneficial for industrial companies. The data generated also allowed to introduce the readiness assessment model for the implementation of the conjunction based on 4 categories: technological, managerial, financial and human. This information could be used for theoretical and practical purposes for the creation of a successful Lean Six Sigma pattern in Industry 4.0.