The relationship between Total Quality management and Industry 4.0: a framework proposal

Authors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i1.50426
Keywords:
Total Quality Management, Industry 4.0, Innovation, Theoretical Model, Systematic Literature Review
Abstract

The potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is being investigated simultaneously with its ongoing evolution. In this emerging context, there is a growing need for studies that integrate Total Quality Management (TQM) principles with Industry 4.0 technologies. This article aims to propose a theoretical model linking TQM concepts with the technological enablers of Industry 4.0. To achieve this, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted, complemented by descriptive bibliometrics and social network analysis techniques, to identify key relationships, research gaps, and field trends. The results reveal a significant increase in scientific output since 2019, with emphasis on studies exploring Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and digital integration in quality systems. The proposed theoretical model provides a conceptual foundation for future empirical investigations and offers practical guidance for industrial managers seeking to align quality practices with the industry 4.0 paradigm.

Author Biographies
  1. Kayke Augusto Barbosa Silva, Minas Gerais State University

    Undergraduate student in Production Engineering at the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG). Intern at Zampieron Engenharia since 2022.

  2. Paulo Henrique Amorim Santos, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul

    Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (UFPR, 2016) and Production Engineering (UniCesumar, 2022). Specialist in Production Engineering (UFPR, 2018), Higher Education Teaching (UniDomBosco, 2019), and Quality Engineering 4.0 (UFPR, 2022). Master’s degree in Production Engineering (UFPR, 2019) and Ph.D. in Production Engineering (UFSCar, 2024). Currently, he is a professor in the Production Engineering program at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) and Vice Leader of the Quality Management Research Group (GPGQ - UEMG). His research focuses on Quality Management, Industry 4.0, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainability.

  3. Daniele dos Reis Pereira Maia, Minas Gerais State University

    Ph.D. candidate at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) and CAPES scholarship holder, working in the research area of Quality Management with a focus on Industry 4.0. Holds a Master’s degree in Production Engineering from UFSCar, with an emphasis on Quality Management, covering topics such as Six Sigma, Industry 4.0, and Big Data. Graduated in Production Engineering from the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG) in 2017. Teaching experience in the undergraduate courses of Production Engineering and Business Administration at the University Center of the Guaxupé Educational Foundation (UNIFEG) and at the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG).

  4. Lo-Ruana Karen Amorim Freire Sanjulião, Minas Gerais State University

    Master’s degree in Regional Development and Environment from the Integrated Colleges of Southwest Minas – State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG), Passos Campus (2015). Postgraduate degree in Strategic Business Management from the University of Franca (2009). Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from the University of Franca (2008). Currently, she is a professor at the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG), Passos Campus, teaching in the Production Engineering and Business Administration programs. Her research interests include Sustainable Development and Environment, Quality Management, Production Management, and Supply Chain Management.

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Cover Image
Image representing a modern industrial environment associated with the concepts of Industry 4.0. In the foreground, a worker wearing a safety helmet and protective equipment holds a clipboard, suggesting activities related to inspection, control, or supervision of production processes. Surrounding the scene are digital graphical elements with icons representing industrial automation, artificial intelligence, data analysis, connectivity, and global information systems. In the background, a factory environment with industrial machines and equipment can be seen, reinforcing the context of digital transformation in industry. At the top of the image appears the article title “The Relationship Between Total Quality Management and Industry 4.0: A Proposal for a Theoretical Model,” along with the authors Silva, K. A. B., Santos, P. H. A., Maia, D. dos R. P., and Sanjulião, L.-R. K. A. F. (2026). In the lower corner, the identification of the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering and the journal’s ISSN is displayed.
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Published
2026-03-10
Issue
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Regular Issue (January - March)
Section
QUALITY ENGINEERING
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Copyright (c) 2026 Silva, K. A. B., Santos, P. H. A., Maia, D. dos R. P., & Sanjulião, L.-R. K. A. F.

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Barbosa Silva, K. A., Amorim Santos, P. H., dos Reis Pereira Maia, D., & Sanjulião, L.-R. K. A. F. (2026). The relationship between Total Quality management and Industry 4.0: a framework proposal. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 12(1), 99-113. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i1.50426