Integration of continuous improvement strategies with Industry 4.0 : a systematic review and agenda for further research

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the history, trends and needs of continuous improvement (CI) and Industry 4.0. Four strategies are reviewed, namely, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and Sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: Digitalization and CI practices contribute to a major transformation in industrial practices. There exists a need to amalgamate Industry 4.0 technologies with CI strategies to ensure significant benefits. A systematic literature review methodology has been followed to review CI strategy and Industry 4.0 papers (n = 92). Findings: Various frameworks of Industry 4.0, their advantages and disadvantages were explored. A conceptual framework integrating CI strategies and Industry 4.0 is being presented in this paper. Practical implications: The benefits and practical application of the developed framework has been presented. Originality/value: The article is an attempt to review CI strategies with Industry 4.0. A conceptual framework for the integration is also being presented.