# PDCA 4.0: A New Conceptual Approach for Continuous Improvement in the Industry 4.0 Paradigm
## 3 Industry 4.0 and Continuous Improvement
### Approaches towards the Applicability of I4.0 to LM/CI
#### 3.2.3 Practical Approaches  
In the literature, multiple practical approaches were also found, in which the application of 14.0\({}^{\prime}\)s technologies toward LM/CI are demonstrated through use cases. The corollary of this study is presented through Tables A4 and A5 (Appendix D). This table summarizes various use cases of 14.0\({}^{\prime}\)s technologies, connecting them to the different CI activities in which they are relevant. As an example, the use case referring to a data collection system for an actual machine using sensors and a CPS, allowing for the real-time visualization of KPIs [63], KPIs [63], can be considered as more relevant to KPI analysis and the diagnostic activities.  
Only one publication [30] references a more complete description of a CI process, including most of CI's activities. The authors mention the use of web-based monitoring tools to collect data, MES to monitor manufacturing processes in real-time, and root cause analysis with the aid of digital boards and 3D printing to test product designs [30]. Other use cases cover fewer CI stages, such as a data collection system for an actual machine through the use of sensors and a CPS, allowing for the real-time visualization of KPIs [63], a Big Data tool stack that processes a high volume of data, feeding predictive models based on machine learning, and a descriptive analysis module that, through graphs, aids in accessing recent problems and their root causes [64]. An approach that is more closely related to problem identification through mapping refers to an RFID (Sens&Act)-based system that can collect data, such as the quantity of items in a given place and cycle times [65], having the potential to be adapted for a real-time VSM [66]. Additionally, a value stream analysis based on a Big Data model [67] and the combination of VSM with a simulation [68] are described in the literature. More associated with the development and testing of countermeasures, a publication mentions scheduling solutions based on real-time simulations [69]. Regarding implementation activities, multiple publications report developments in task organization through Kanban boards; namely a web-based board [70], a board operated with a smartphone [71], and a computer-aided task board that tracks a physical panel in real-time [72]. Other use cases, such as a highly flexible measurement-aided welding [73] and a safe human-robot collaborative assembly cell based on a CPS [74], were also found. Lastly, some use cases of AR/AsR (Sim&Virt) were deemed relevant for follow-up and standardization regarding the production [1; 75], maintenance [76], and quality control [77] activities, while also facilitating the management of documents regarding work instructions.  
Many of the practical approaches that were found are specifically related to one LM tool, covering different CI activities. Use cases related to TPM, namely an online root cause analysis [78] and condition monitoring for machines [8; 79], essentially cover the KPI analysis, diagnosis, and root cause stages. Other studies describing the incorporation of CPS in _Jidoka_[80; 81] are also associated with these activities in a similar fashion.