Lean Management, IATF Automotive Standard, Industry 4.0, and Operational Excellence: Correlation Analysis and Synergy Model Development

Following the constant development of the sector and differentiating themselves from the competition, automotive organizations aim to control their operations, improve their performance, and respond to customers’ needs. Lean management has become a universal management method adopted by organizations wishing to ensure their operational continuity. Compliance of quality management systems with the requirements of the international automotive standard IATF 16949:2016 is one of the major challenges facing automotive companies. Industry 4.0 enables organizations to improve their effectiveness, flexibility, and performance. The objective of this article is to demonstrate to automotive organizations the synergistic impact of the combined implementation of lean management tools in correlation with the requirements of the automotive standard and the adoption of Industry 4.0 pillars on operational excellence dimensions. Following the correlation analysis carried out, an original model specific to the automotive sector was developed with a view to guiding automotive organizations wishing to improve their operational excellence while controlling the value chain, establishing an effective management system, and creating a smart factory. This study demonstrates that, for a better result of operational excellence, it is necessary to implement lean management tools in correlation with the compliance of systems with IATF requirements and the adoption of Industry 4.0 pillars.