STRATEGIC APPROACHES TO LEAN MANUFACTURING IN INDUSTRY 4.0: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW STUDY

Abstract

This systematic review, based on the analysis of 130 peer-reviewed articles, explores the strategic integration of lean manufacturing with Industry 4.0 technologies, focusing on the role of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics in enhancing lean practices. Using the PRISMA guidelines, the study identified key synergies between lean and Industry 4.0, demonstrating how these technologies facilitate real-time data collection, predictive maintenance, and process optimization, all of which align with lean’s core principles of waste reduction and continuous improvement. The review also highlights significant challenges to this integration, including high implementation costs, workforce skill gaps, and resistance to organizational change, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, emerging trends suggest that the future of lean-Industry 4.0 integration will increasingly focus on sustainability, with companies leveraging digital tools to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental waste. The findings underscore the need for further research to address these challenges and explore scalable solutions that can drive the broader adoption of lean-Industry 4.0 integration in diverse industrial contexts.