Table 3

Mapping the project deliverables on the framework phases

Expected outputsProject deliverables
Phase 1: Readiness
1.1Measure the current level of Industry 4.0 maturity and define the role of qualityThe company management carries out this type of analysis periodically for business purposes, yet a specific study regarding the maturity level towards Quality 4.0 was not done
1.2Identify expected benefits, opportunities and challenges of the Q4.0 transitionThe main processes have been formalized and their performances have been measured through appropriate indicators
1.3Evaluate processesNot done
Phase 2: Reasons and objectives
2.1Set quantitative and measurable quality-related objectives aligned with the overall business strategyThe management has not set any long-term Quality 4.0 objective. Specific goals have been set for the use case concerning the incoming material testing process, but a wider plan has not been introduced
2.2Identify small-scale digital pilotsA single use case has been implemented
Phase 3: Strategy
3.1Define the overall technological and non-technological resources (budget, time, competency, digital systems, regulatory standards …) available and identify the missing onesThe management did not define any general strategy and, therefore, also the necessary resources to undertake the Quality 4.0 road were not defined
3.2Identify skill gaps and plan the training pathway for the employeeDefined only for the specific use case
3.3Establish a coordination plan for stakeholder managementDefined only for the specific use case
3.4Define a plan to foster a quality cultureNot defined
3.5Develop an array of use cases for Quality 4.0 implementationGiven the challenge regarding the quality inspection process, it was decided to take the Quality 4.0 route starting from that specific application without listing other possible use cases
3.8Choose the appropriate technologies and providers for the selected use casesThe best technologies and providers were chosen for the specific use cases, losing the opportunity to exploit synergies with other use cases
3.9Plan and allocate resources and responsibilities for the activity of integration and alignmentNot done
3.10 Development of a risk plan for the specific use case
Phase 4: Implementation
4.1Map in detail the involved process/procedureThe goods receipt and testing process was mapped, analysed and measured
4.3Define the specification and requirements of the envisaged quality digital systemDone
4.4Manage the development activities given in the outsourcingDone
4.5Train the employees who should use the new technologiesOnly one employee was trained in how to use new technology. On the other hand, video tutorials have been recorded and edited to facilitate the knowledge transfer and the training of new operators
4.6Manage and coordinate all the deployment aspects, both technological and organizationalAll the deployment aspects have been properly managed. Such management was facilitated by the fact that the project was contained in terms of time and output
Phase 5: Value and innovation
5.1Collection of the results and feedback arising from the implemented strategyNot executed at the strategy level
5.2Carry out gap analysisNot executed at the strategy level but carried out for the specific use case
5.3Identification of causes of deviation and refining of the strategy for the next iteration of the cycleNot executed, not even for the specific use case
5.4Disseminate the created value among the organization stakeholdersNot executed at the strategy level

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