The Role of Technology in Mitigating Process Improvement Project Failures: A Qualitative Study

Implementing process improvement projects is critical for organizations steering toward enhanced efficiency and competitiveness. However, companies often struggle to succeed with process improvement projects, with a high failure rate of up to 70%. This paper investigates the role of technology in mitigating failures in process improvement projects, drawing insights from semi-structured interviews with 19 prominent process improvement practitioners. While organizations initially relied on Excel spreadsheets to track the progress of projects, the study highlights the transition towards advanced tools and digital solutions. The findings suggest that these tools facilitate real-time monitoring and visualization, data collection and analysis, communication, and risk management. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of human-automation integration. While digitalization and automation are significant, human involvement remains essential for effective failure mitigation. This perspective aligns with the concept of Industry 5.0, which emphasizes that the actual value of technology lies in its ability to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. This paper provides managers with insights to make strategic decisions about technology adoption, ensuring they remain informed about practical tools and technologies that could avert failures and contribute to better project outcomes.