Significance of quality 4.0 in post merger process harmonization

Abstract

Industry 4.0 has received much attention in recent years, in parallel due to an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), post merger integrations (PMI) is of continuous interest. Depending on the integration approach, process harmonization is vital during the PMI. The objective of this article is to observe the significance of Quality 4.0 during process harmonization and detect the extent of realization of this vision in service companies. A system atic literature review and empirical research with expert interviews have been executed. The research showed that Industry 4.0 is still a topic of enormous interest although there seems to be a gap between scientific publications and knowledge in practice. Especially towards Quality 4.0 and service companies future research is needed. In none of the service organizations are any intrinsic endeavors for implementing Industry 4.0 elements (e.g. ERP systems). A massive elucidation and information about Industry 4.0 in practice is demanded. Down stream markets could profit immense from the accompanied potential.