Quality 4.0 in industrial organizations: challenges, benefits, and a research agenda

Purpose This study seeks to investigate the challenges and benefits of Quality 4.0 within industrial companies, including the influence of the Industry 5.0 concept and exploring critically the emergence of Quality 5.0. Based on identified research gaps, it proposes a research agenda. Design/methodology/approach This study employed both bibliometric and systematic literature reviews, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework on Quality 4.0, its reviews and Quality 5.0. Findings This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on Quality 4.0 by analyzing pertinent literature. About 14 groups were identified to establish a research agenda, with suggested research questions. Key findings include the proposition of the “Targeted Data” concept, the discussion of Quality 4.0 in the context of Industry 5.0, with information overload, human-centered and sustainability issues and a critical view of the Quality 5.0 concept. Research limitations/implications This study was unable to determine the costs or investments involved in implementing Quality 4.0. Originality/value This article is original in its proposition of applying “Targeted Data” to quality management, in its distinct conceptualization of Quality 4.0 compared to existing literature, in its analysis of Industry 5.0 implication for Quality 4.0 and as the first review to consider the incipient proposition of Quality 5.0.