Evaluation of the application of improvement tools in the food industry of Norte de Santander

Abstract

Norte de Santander has been characterized by its economic dependence on the exchange system with the Venezuelan border. However, in recent years, the neighboring country's economic problems have led the population surrounding this border to seek other ways to improve their income, and the creation of artisanal and micro-enterprise businesses has increased. The study was conducted in 79 industries registered with the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce through interviews and surveys. To analyze the data obtained through the use of improvement tools, descriptive statistics were applied, using frequencies, histograms, and measures of central tendency. It was found that industrial growth in the food sector is primarily due to the predominance of the baking and food service industries. These types of companies in particular require a controlled production process in terms of quality parameters of raw materials, inputs, and finished products in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory standards, as well as productivity measurement to be competitive. In conclusion, it was found that the most commonly used tools by companies are just-in-time (22.8%), total productive maintenance (16.5%), and value chain management (10.1%). This, combined with the fact that informal employment in Cúcuta is 68%, according to the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce (2013).