Zero-Defect Manufacturing Maturity Model

This research paper focuses on Zero-Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) with the goal of proposing a ZDM Maturity Model including the critical factors that contribute to ZDM success. Using a design science approach, a new ZDM Maturity Model was developed. An extensive literature review was conducted to extract the main critical factors for successful ZDM implementation. These key factors were then organized into six socio-technical dimensions-i.e., Product, Process, Platform, People, Partnership, and Performance-and described across five maturity levels-i.e., Initial, Managed, Defined, Integrated, and Exploited. In doing so, this paper advances ZDM research and provides industrial stakeholders with a practical tool to assess companies' maturity and progress toward achieving zero defects.