Industry 4.0 technologies and lean: a configurational approach

Literature considers the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies with lean as a critical element for determining a company’s competitive advantage, and ultimately improving its financial performance. Drawing on the concept of fit, this study identifies the fit and misfit between two bundles of I4.0 technologies and lean, challenging the assumption that all types of I4.0 technologies have a good fit with lean leading to better financial performance. Data on ROA were extracted from AIDA database and data on I4.0 technologies and lean were collected via survey conducted in ten firms. Data were analysed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).