Lean Tools in the Context of Industry 4.0: Literature Review, Implementation and Trends

Abstract

With the evolution of Industry 4.0, some problems related to inefficient digitalization become clearer in organizations. To minimize these problems, implementation of the lean philosophy is needed in the digital environment. However, before Lean can start to solve the digitalization problems, there is a need to digitalize its tools so that they can comprehend the Industry 4.0 dynamics and become more effective. The aim of this study is to contribute to the theoretical development of Lean tools in the context of Industry 4.0, promoting directions for the industrial sector from the evolution, difficulties, benefits, implementation and trends of Lean 4.0 tools. To achieve this objective, this study performs a systematic literature review and content analysis of 53 papers from 35 journals. The main results of the research show: (i) the characterization of the Lean 4.0 tools; (ii) the evolution of the Lean tools after the integration with digital technologies; (iii) the main trends of Lean 4.0; (iv) the proposal of a Lean 4.0 theoretical framework. From these results, this paper seeks to promote insights for studies in the area of Lean 4.0, as well as for companies to implement and use the Lean 4.0 tools for better improvement in their digital processes and avoid the digital waste.