A Model for Improving Communication in Manufacturing and Services Companies in an Industry 4.0 Environment.

Abstract

Currently, several operations management philosophies, tools, and techniques support continuous improvement processes in manufacturing and services companies operating under Industry 4.0 standards. One of the main factors in achieving implementation success is effective communication. The problem is that these continuous improvement solutions often only provide the companies with the procedures, guidelines, success factors, technical skills, and performance measures pertinent to each company. However, effective communication is a critical success factor that, most of the time, is not considered in implementing those solutions. For this reason, an effective communication model is needed to support implementing continuous improvement solutions and new approaches within Industry 4.0. This paper aims to present an effective communication model for implementing continuous improvement solutions in Industry 4.0 manufacturing and services companies. The model was implemented in several organizations with measurements of its impact. The final idea is to export this model to other types of organizations with other approaches to increase the implementation of continuous improvement solutions. The theoretical framework is based on coaching concepts and tools, including effective communication factors.