Contributions of Industry 4.0 to lean management within the supply chain operations reference model

Abstract

Industry 4.0 describes a concept for horizontal and vertical interconnection on the basis of cyber-physical systems and the internet of things. The implementation within single factories has been given predominant consideration so far, but the implications across entire supply chains are less understood. Likewise, lean management principles have been partially described as a prerequisite for Industry 4.0, but also as being in conflict with the aims of Industry 4.0. In response, this paper presents the results of a systematic literature review, highlighting the potentials of Industry 4.0 for lean management within the six dimensions of the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model. Further, potentially contradictory aspects of Industry 4.0 and lean management are presented, in particular regarding the implementation of Industry 4.0 across the supply chain, and ecological and social aspects that are in conflict with economic targets of lean management. Thereupon, the paper presents avenues for future research and managerial practice.