Lean and Industry 4.0: a review of the relationship, its limitations, and the path ahead with Industry 5.0

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relationship between Lean and Industry 4.0, further exploring the opportunities for integration with the new concept of Industry 5.0. Departing from a literature review, it shows how the relationship between Industry 4.0 and Lean is—while unanimously positive—clearly orientated towards the more technological aspects. In this scenario, most studies on this relationship highlight the technological side of organizations, emphasizing the integration of Industry 4.0 technology to augment Lean methodologies and tools. As such, most of the apparent value of this relationship derives from the use of technology, and relatively limited inputs input are found on issues related to the human and social factors of organizations—such as leadership, people, integration, and training for new roles and new tasks. In the face of this reality, we evaluate the potential for integration between Lean and Industry 5.0, arguing how Lean may offer a proper perspective to support sustainability, resilience, and human orientation in Industrial contexts.