From lean production to Industrie 4.0: More autonomy for employees?

Abstract: The article examines the relationship between lean production and Industrie 4.0 focusing on the question of autonomy in the work process. In contrast to the claim made by official Industrie 4.0 concepts that the autonomy of the employees would increase, we see in the current implementation projects a tendency towards greater standardization and control of work. This is in continuity with concepts of lean production, but neglects the participation-oriented elements of lean production such as teamwork and shop-floor-based improvement activities. Our argument is developed by analyzing practical examples from three relevant fields (digital assistance systems, data-based process management, modular assembly). The conclusions of this article also discuss the extent to which the concept of individual autonomy is suitable for the assessment of Industrie 4.0 concepts, given the high levels of interdependence already achieved in production processes

Object Details

• Alternative title: Von Lean Production zur Industrie 4.0: Mehr Autonomie für die Beschäftigten?
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource, 22 S.
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Veröffentlichungsversion ; begutachtet

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Discussion Papers / Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung, Foschungsschwerpunkt Digitalisierung und gesellschaftlicher Wandel, Projektgruppe Globalisierung, Arbeit und Produktion - Project Group Globalization, Work, and Production ; Bd. SP III 2018-303

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Mannheim, Berlin
• (who): SSOAR, GESIS – Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften e.V., Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gGmbH
• (when): 2018
• Creator: Butollo, Florian ; Jürgens, Ulrich ; Krzywdzinski, Martin
• Contributor: Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gGmbH

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2021101108520297652089
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:49 PM CET