Each industrial revolution has shaped how we work, what we value, and how we deliver products and services. Now, as we transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, the shift isn’t just digital—it’s human. This blog post about Industry 5.0 and ITIL 4 explores the historical context of industrial change, the emergence of Industry 5.0, and how ITIL 4 and PDCA Consulting can help your organisation navigate the journey with clarity and purpose.
The Journey So Far: Industry 1.0 to 4.0
Industry 1.0 – Mechanisation
Fueled by steam and water power, this revolution marked the beginning of mechanised production in the late 18th century.
Industry 2.0 – Electrification & Mass Production
Electricity enabled assembly lines and the rise of factory systems, ushering in the era of mass production.
Industry 3.0 – Automation & Computing
From the late 20th century, computers and electronics enabled automated processes, reducing human intervention.
Industry 4.0 – Digital Integration
The current landscape of smart factories, AI, IoT, and big data defines Industry 4.0, integrating cyber-physical systems across value chains.
What Makes Industry 5.0 Different?
Industry 5.0 represents a paradigm shift: it’s not just about smarter machines, but about a smarter society. It rebalances automation with human creativity, empathy, and ethics.
Key characteristics include:
- Human-machine collaboration (e.g., cobots)
- Focus on well-being and meaningful work
- Emphasis on sustainability and resilience
- Purpose-driven innovation
The goal: to align technological advancement with societal values and human potential.
Bridging the Gap with ITIL 4
ITIL 4 is more than an IT framework—it’s a value-focused, people-aware system of service management built for complexity and co-creation.
Here’s how it supports the Industry 5.0 transition:
- Service Value System (SVS): Encourages end-to-end thinking and governance aligned with organisational purpose.
- Value Co-Creation: Moves beyond service delivery to partnership-based outcomes.
- Guiding Principles: Embrace collaboration, transparency, and iterative progress.
Practices like Workforce & Talent Management, Relationship Management, and Continual Improvement give organisations tools to prioritise people and outcomes—not just processes.
With ITIL 4, organisations can evolve from efficiency-centric operations to resilience- and experience-centric cultures.
How PDCA Consulting Helps You Thrive in Industry 5.0
PDCA supports organisations in translating ITIL 4 into real-world impact. Through tailored coaching, consulting, and training, we help you:
- Understand where you are in the Industry 4.0 to 5.0 journey
- Align your service management with human-centric values
- Build cross-functional capabilities and experience-led metrics (XLAs)
- Deliver value co-creation through practical ITIL 4 enablement
- Develop leadership behaviours for the future of work
From strategy to culture, PDCA helps you embed resilience, purpose, and innovation into your organisation’s DNA.
Conclusion: Future-Ready with ITIL 4 and PDCA
The move to Industry 5.0 is more than an upgrade—it’s a transformation. ITIL 4 gives you the framework, and PDCA gives you the partnership to turn vision into value. Together, they enable you to deliver services that are not just smart—but sustainable, ethical, and human.
To find out more about PDCA Consulting’s expert consulting services either:
- Call +49 172 579 4719
- Complete the contact form
- Contact via Linkedin
