Quality 4.0: The model for proactivity. A case study for proactive quality work at Troax

Abstract

The manufacturing industry has experienced significant developments in manufacturing, processes, practices, and technologies during the last decade. These developments have led to innovations and a resurgence in manufacturing and engineering activities and are commonly referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) represents a new paradigm in advanced manufacturing, digitizing, and engineering technologies fueled by data from sensors, Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of things (IoT), industrial automation, connectivity, cybersecurity, and big data analysis integrated into daily operations. Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) is a concept that refers to the future of quality using the new tools and technologies available from I4.0. Q4.0 integrates conventional quality approaches with a new technology that allows for organizational efficiency and business excellence. Organizations that want to remain competitive recognize the need for Q4.0 and a proactive approach to risk and quality management. This thesis is a case study that evaluates the usage of Q4.0 to increase proactive quality work at Troax, Hillerstorp Sweden. The result of the study is a Quality 4.0 Maturity Model and gap analysis. Based on the gap analysis a priority list was generated to increase proactive quality work at Troax.