Lean in the food sector: Strategy to implement Lean Tools in Micro and Small enterprises in Quito, Ecuador

Innovating for impact: Proposing quality 4.0 integration to achieve sustainable development goals in microenterprises

“…In addition to these procedures, there are several characteristics to pay attention to in microenterprises business models. When analysing the possible adoption of technology in microenterprises, there may be some challenges related to a limited economy, little access to materials and tools, and a knowledge gap in innovation (Velasco‐Tapia & Avilés‐Sacoto, 2023).…”

“…Some of them have continued in the market and now have become consolidated as microenterprises. Since these enterprises were founded in the family nucleus, the adoption of new strategies is needed mainly to face daily challenges such as limited economic, material, and technological resources (Velasco‐Tapia & Avilés‐Sacoto, 2023). This was evident worldwide, and Ecuador was not an exception.…”

“…This may be accomplished by calculating its size, which will act as the foundation for the digitalization and process automation that will be implemented. The study carried out by Velasco‐Tapia and Avilés‐Sacoto (2023) describes a classification of firm size, using the OECD classification scheme, which considers the number of employees: micro‐enterprises (<10), small companies (≥10–49), medium‐sized (≥50–249), and large (≥250). From them, the microenterprises and SMEs in Latin America are significant contributors to the region's potential growth, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC, [CEPAL in Spanish]) (CEPAL, 2023).…”

“…Therefore, these enterprises must look for easy-to-implement methods and tools to cope with this situation. Since most enterprises were started by families, they frequently trust and rely on traditional processes, which makes them fewer effective managers than other companies in the market (Velasco-Tapia & Avilés-Sacoto, 2023). The difference that stands out the most is how they have integrated technological tools into their workflows to boost efficiency (García-Reyes et al, 2022).…”

“…The difference that stands out the most is how they have integrated technological tools into their workflows to boost efficiency (García-Reyes et al, 2022). However, many enterprises are keen to learn new skills and resources to improve their operations (Velasco-Tapia & Avilés-Sacoto, 2023). Therefore, the leadership is crucial in encouraging and mediating the operational excellence pattern (Gatell & Avella, 2024).…”