Uncovering the Role of Human Factors in Industry 4.0 with Lean Six Sigma

The research gap in this thesis lies in the ongoing need to understand the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the transformation of the work environment and the roles and competencies of workers in consulting firms. While new technologies offer significant potential to improve process efficiency, they can also fundamentally impact employee satisfaction and engagement. This paper examines how the integration of modern technologies is changing work roles and how this is reflected in employee satisfaction and performance in the consulting sector. It focuses on the relationship between technological advancements in Industry 4.0 and the human factor, specifically how these technologies affect employee effectiveness and need satisfaction. The thesis analyses in detail the evolution of Industry 4.0 and its technologies, using the Lean Six Sigma methodology for a thorough evaluation and comparison of key consulting processes. The research shows that implementing Industry 4.0 technologies improves internal communication and increases the availability of client data, but also reveals new challenges such as increased error rates in timesheets. These findings illustrate both the opportunities and limitations associated with the adoption of new technologies in consulting firms. In response to these findings, the thesis proposes a model of action to not only increase the use of Industry 4.0 technologies, but also to improve employee competencies and increase employee satisfaction, which will contribute to an overall improvement in firm performance.