Lean 4.0 tools and technologies to improve companies’ maturity level: the COVID-19 context

Abstract

The global pandemic triggered by the new COVID-19 led to severe limitations in daily life, both private and professional. Almost all companies have been affected in one way or another. The COVID-19 crisis imposed new challenges for enterprises. As a result, many companies have been forced to rethink how to align many of their processes and practices with the new COVID-19 context, and fulfill their mission while maintaining a safe and secure management business operating environment for both employees and customers. This paper aims to bring empirical evidence, through a questionnaire survey, of the positive influence of using Lean Management tools and Industry 4.0 technologies on five organizational dimensions (strategy, leadership, culture, operations and products, and technology). Data from 98 Algerian and French companies of different sizes and representing various activity sectors was collected. Respondents were asked to answer 5 organizational dimensions (strategy, leadership, culture, operations and products, and technology) in the context COVID-19 crisis. Statistical analysis was performed through path coefficient using a Smart PLS. The results show that Industry 4.0 technologies tend to be strongly associated with Lean management tools, and that understanding the relationship between Lean management tools and Industry 4.0 technologies can improve the organizational dimensions: leadership, strategy, operation, and production. This research provides managerial implications that can help managers to understand the synergies and benefits of integrating and implementing Lean 4.0 tools and technologies in organizations in both crises and regular contexts.