Communicating operational excellence 5.0: evidence from CSRD sustainability disclosures

Purpose This study aims to explore the application of the Elasticsearch algorithm to assess the degree of implementation of Operational Excellence 5.0 (OE 5.0) among Spanish insurance companies. It examines how corporate sustainability reporting, aligned with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), reflects strategic emphasis on OE 5.0 and its contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach Annual reports published by six insurance companies operating in Spain were analysed using Elasticsearch, which applies inverted indexing, BM25 scoring, and vector search techniques to identify textual emphasis on SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production). A dictionary-based approach was used to ensure transparency and replicability. Findings The results reveal significant heterogeneity in the emphasis on OE 5.0 principles. While Allianz Partners and MAPFRE demonstrate strong alignment with multiple SDGs, others, such as AXA Insurance, show a more selective focus, particularly regarding responsible consumption. These findings suggest uneven diffusion of OE 5.0, influenced by organisational priorities and resources. Research limitations/implications The exploratory analysis is limited to six Spanish insurers and two reporting years (2023–2024). Broader cross-sector and longitudinal studies are needed for validation. Originality/value This study contributes to the emerging literature on Lean Six Sigma and Industry 5.0 by demonstrating how automated text analysis can serve as a diagnostic tool for evaluating OE 5.0 implementation. It bridges information retrieval technologies with continuous improvement methodologies, highlighting a novel path for operational strategy research.