ABSTRACT
With the advent of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), a new set of technologies has been incorporated into existing approaches of continuous improvement, such as Lean Manufacturing (Lean). However, this integration may not always be successful due to some specific features of both I4.0 and Lean. This study aims to propose an assessment method that allows prioritizing the implementation of I4.0 and Lean in productive areas of manufacturing companies based on their maturity level to assist the integration of I4.0 and Lean. By determining the degree of maturity at I4.0 and Lean, it becomes possible to identify which areas are most propendent for an implementation in both approaches. In this sense, a method was developed that can jointly evaluate the degree of maturity in I4.0 and Lean, and identify which areas are most propense to implementation in both approaches. This method is illustrated in different productive areas of a Brazilian auto parts manufacturer, which has been undergoing Lean implementation for over 10 years and has begun to adopt I4.0. Results indicate that not all company areas have the same readiness, and some of their specific characteristics may facilitate or undermine this implementation. From a practical perspective, such maturity assessment enables organizations to prioritize their efforts and lead to more assertive implementation, reducing unnecessary investments to achieve significant performance results through a more holistic implementation that considers the characteristics of both approaches.
