INDUSTRY 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION MODEL: TAKING STEPS TOWARDS DIGITIZATION

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to develop an algorithm for Industry 4.0 implementation in a factory / company. There are many studies pointing enablers, advantages, limitations, challenges, principles, characteristics of Industry 4.0, but how do we really start implementing this complex process in a factory? This paper describes a step-by-step method by combining the Kaizen and Toyota Kata approaches with digitization process. Methodology/approach The bibliographic study method was used to get a better understanding about Industry 4.0 introduction. A literature survey was conducted among articles indexed in Web of Science and reviews of research were studied in depth with the aim to identify the most important and relevant steps to take towards digitization. Findings A model with established steps and an implementation template were developed to facilitate Industry 4.0 introduction. Research limitations/implications The model needs to be adapted to the specific of the company. A further and deeper research is required to compare the model with other existent ones. Practical implications The practical implications of the paper is given by the development of a model to implement Industry 4.0 by combining two methodological approaches: Toyota Kata and Kaizen with technology-driven approach Industry 4.0 with the goal of identifying concrete steps to take towards digitization. As well, an implementation template was developed to facilitate model application. Originality/value Toyota Kata was never before interlinked with Industry 4.0 with the aim to develop an implementation model.