What is Quality 4.0? An exploratory sequential mixed methods study of Italian manufacturing companies

The purpose of this paper is to contribute the scientific debate on Quality 4.0 by exploring main theoretical themes underpinning model and how may be developed. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was employed study two different samples Italian manufacturing companies over phases. For each sample, a questionnaire distributed companies’ quality managers. As result, eleven were elicited tested. These are related development, top management, process mapping, data collection integration with enterprise resource planning system, use artificial intelligence software, machine-to-machine communication, product identification traceability, document control digital skills for staff. A Q4.0 proposed that encapsulates across three categories- people, process, technology. Results could particularly helpful practitioners who them as guideline implementing developing in typical Industry environment.