Modelling interactions of select enablers of Lean Six-Sigma considering sustainability implications: an integrated circular economy and Industry 4.0 perspective

Abstract Industry 4.0 is expected to impact the decision-making and response time of organizations and shall reduce them drastically. With cyber-physical systems, internet, smart factories Industry 4.0 is expected to emerge as assisting tool for physical process-enabled industries towards embracing socially sustainable economic goals. The objective of this study is to identify a set of enablers of LSS so that they can assist in LSS implementation in the manufacturing organizations. A comprehensive literature survey identifies enablers of LSS with inputs from industry experts and academicians. Fourteen enablers of LSS were converged upon out of the 37 studied by the expert committee. The classical DEMAT EL method was used to derive the causal relationships between select enablers leading to CE and sustainability. An organization with an intent to implement LSS can reap benefits of achieving goals of CE and sustainability which can further be expedited with Industry 4.0.