Towards industry 5.0: evolving the product-process matrix in the new paradigm

The Hayes-Wheelwright Product-Process Matrix (PPM) has historically been a pivotal tool in manufacturing, guiding firms to strategically align product volume and variety with the most optimal production process. Delving into its developmental journey, this research thoroughly examines the PPM's evolution through the industrial eras. From the outset of Industry 2.0, marked by the adoption of Flexible Manufacturing Systems prioritizing mass customization, to the inception of Industry 4.0, characterized by a seamless integration of digital and physical systems with a pronounced focus on tailored products, the matrix has consistently adapted. The main findings of this work underline the imperative to reconceptualize the PPM within the context of Industry 5.0. Building on this foundation, a new model is here proposed to represent the PPM matrix in the Industry 5.0 environment that incorporates creative and technological innovation and the concept of sustainability. This entails a fusion of cutting-edge technological developments, urgent sustainability considerations, and the unyielding deep human insights. The proposed matrix (PPM 5.0) maps each product to the most suitable production process and guides companies in selecting processes that align with sustainable objectives. Furthermore, it provides a flexible foundation designed to readily adapt to evolving market demands, technological advancements, and emerging trends in manufacturing, offering substantial benefits to practitioners and business owners in their strategic design decisions and technology investments. To achieve these insights, a qualitative methodology is employed, grounded in an exhaustive review of the extant literature, thereby ensuring a holistic and informed perspective on the future trajectory of industrial practices.