A Conceptual Framework for the Application of Quality 4.0

Quality 4.0 is a trend gaining strength as a promising instrument in industries for better control and quality assurance of processes and products. It is based on the application of different Industry 4.0 technological tools, such as process virtualization, the Internet of Things (IoT), and intelligent data analysis. It allows quality problems to be identified in advance, in addition to better correlating problems to their root causes. The scientific literature on the topic has grown, especially in the last three years, with works from different approaches and perspectives, which develop the concept and show different applications. However, there is a lack of organization in this literature that consolidates these contributions. This work, therefore, aims to present a systematic literature review (RSL) on the topic of Quality 4.0, showing the different meanings of this concept, the technologies applied and areas of application, results obtained, limitations and difficulties encountered, and steps of its implementation. Proknow-C was used as a method for creating the bibliographic repository, with searches being carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science reference databases. In the end, in addition to the analysis of the previously mentioned points, a framework is developed and presented that can be used as a guide for the application of the Quality 4.0 concept in industrial companies.