Implementation roadmap guiding manufacturing SMEs transition towards Quality 4.0

Purpose While considerable attention has been paid to Industry 4.0, the emerging concept of Quality 4.0 remains underexplored in the literature. This paper aims to develop a Quality 4.0 guiding roadmap for manufacturing SMEs interested in exploiting the digital transition to transform their quality management system into a strategic asset that could strengthen the organization's competitive position. Design/methodology/approach Firstly, an extensive literature review was conducted on the Quality 4.0 topic to gain insights into its main antecedents, components and benefits. Findings have been used to develop an implementation roadmap towards Quality 4.0 for SMEs. Empirical validation is eventually carried out in a case study. Findings Literature review highlighted three key concepts surrounding Q4.0 in the manufacturing sector, namely the emergence of Quality 4.0; the value propositions and the pillars of Quality 4.0 adoption. Their discussion paved the way for the development of a Q4.0 implementation roadmap tailored to SMEs. The empirical validation of the resulting framework guided the identification of further improvements to the proposed framework. Originality/value The paper aims to offer a comprehensive guide for practitioners in the manufacturing sector, looking to embrace Quality 4.0 as a strategic lever towards operational excellence. The paper thus adds a significant layer of empirical and theoretical understanding to the ongoing academic and industrial conversations around Quality 4.0.