Efectos de la Integración de gestión de Inventarios para Pequeñas Empresas Comercializadoras de alimentos del Centro Norte de Quito en los Sectores de la Carolina, La Pradera, González Suarez y Quito tenis en el periodo 2020-2023

Abstract

This study examines the effects of process integration in inventory management for small food marketing businesses in north-central Quito during the period 2020-2023. Using a mixed methodology that combines semistructured interviews and surveys, the research reveals that 50% of companies have implemented integrated inventory management processes in the last three years, reporting significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. The results indicate that adopting these systems can be a crucial differentiating factor in the market, with 36.4% of companies considering that it has improved their competitiveness. However, the lack of technical knowledge emerges as the main barrier to adoption, followed by challenges in organizational change management and integration with existing systems. The study also reveals a wide variation in investment levels, with most companies opting for low-cost solutions. The conclusions underscore the need for training programs and technical support to facilitate a broader adoption of these systems in the sector.