Development of a structural model based on ISM for analysis of barriers to integration of leanwith industry 4.0

Purpose: To develop a structural model based on Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach to analyse the barriers to integration of Lean with Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: Integrated lean and I4.0 is essential for optimising customer value, rapid product design and redesign to comply with customer demand on time. Also, manufacturing processes to be made more flexible, intelligent and agile. In this context, integrated lean and Industry 4.0 barriers were identified and an ISM approach is employed to identify hierarchical structure of barriers and analysed. Findings: The result obtained reflects that barriers “increasing competitive pressure”, “lack of long-term vision”, “lack of management support”, “lack of capital fund” are found to be the important barriers that affect the integration of lean and I4.0. Research limitations/implications: In the present study, 16 barriers are analysed. In future, additional barriers could be included. Practical implications: The driving and dependence power of barriers were analysed from ISM model and it provided guidance for practitioners to concentrate on barriers for integrating lean and I4.0. Originality/value: The idea of developing structural model for analysis of barriers to integration of lean with I4.0 is the original contribution.