Purpose-The purpose of this research is to develop a future 4.0 improvement model, which improves work efficiently and effectively in a manufacturing company and in line with Industry 4.0. To achieve this purpose. Three research questions (RQ) of the issue will be answered:

RQ1: What defines a traditional improvement model?

RQ2: What tools shall be implemented to the 4.o improvement model?

RQ3: How can an efficient and effective improvement model be designed for Industry 4.0?

Method - Qualitative interviews, literature reviews and document study were conducted to gather data. Interviews were structured in two different categories and participants were divided into two different groups in order to gain information from different perspectives. The study involved one main case company and case in seven other companies which are customer to the main company. Employees from different roles participated in the interviews gave different opinions concerning improvement work, and from reviewing the literature and studying document received from the case company, the authors could identify what tools could make a model suit for Industry 4.0.

Findings - Thenew model (4.0 improvement model) is inspiring from the traditional model PDCA, which most companies in this study has been using, recognizing and it is the most mentioned model in literatures. The new model includes six steps: specify, evaluate before, laboratory, implement, evaluate after and follow up. Tools added in the model work as a guideline to help the company to achieve every step. The new tools that were identified and would suit Industry 4.0 is 3D- scanning, 3D- layout, virtualization, VR and cloud-based solutions.

Delimitations - Companies engaged in the study are customer companies to the case company. It would be appreciated to conduct companies which did not use the case company’ service to gain more perspectives regarding improvement work and Industry 4.0. The study focuses mostly on the improvement process in the production department. Therefore, the model created is suitable only for improving the process of production. 

Further Research - More companies shall have participated in the interviews in order to develop the model, and the developing model shall also have tested afterwards. Furthermore, there are some factors which need to be in consideration, such as time limitations and the type of company participated in the study.