APPLICATION OF THE DELPHI TECHNIQUE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT 4.0 IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Quality 4.0, an integration of traditional quality management and advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, is transforming manufacturing industries. Despite this, the application and impact of Quality 4.0 in developing nations, particularly in South Africa, has not been adequately explored. Ten experts were asked to use the Delphi technique to identify the critical factors that could lead to the successful adoption of Quality 4.0 in South Africa. Once the experts had reached a consensus, their recommendations were mapped on the Deming (PDCA) cycle. To enable a seamless transition, they emphasised top management support, workforce development, embedding a Quality 4.0 culture, integrating new technologies with legacy processes, and continual monitoring of key performance indicators. The study provides a guide for manufacturers successfully to embrace Quality 4.0, thereby enhancing competitiveness and contributing to the government’s goal of fully embracing Industry 4.0 by 2030, in line with the related United Nations sustainable development goal number 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.