Facility Layout Design in Textile MSMEs. Literature Review of Resilient Indicators.

Autores: José Albán-Palango, Franklin Tigre, Freddy Lema, Pablo Flores-Siguenza & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: The capacity to respond and adapt to risks and problems in an organization is critical for business success. Any type of weakness causes inefficient use of resources. On the contrary, flexible facilities can ensure the continuity of operations in the face of disruptive events, which significantly harm the company. However, flexibility is not achieved only with the optimization of facilities, as resilient approaches can enhance it. This research synthesizes the variables and indicators with greater use in three different areas, business resilience, textile industry, and the facility layout problem (FLP). A systematic literature review was conducted, considering 99 studies published in 2010–2021. The documents were analyzed using the Atlas.ti software, a 4W (When, Who, What, and Where) analysis, and three research questions posed through the PICO strategy. The findings indicate that the scientific interest regarding resilience has been increasing in the last six years, specifically in evaluation methods and approaches to identify resilience factors and indicators in the industry through fuzzy mathematical models. It is also highlighted the scarcity of resilient FLP studies the importance of indicators for an accurate model. Finally, a set of possible indicators for the facility layout design with a resilient approach based on FLP factors is proposed.

Cita: Albán-Palango, J., Tigre, F., Lema, F., Flores-Siguenza, P., Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2023). Facility Layout Design in Textile MSMEs. Literature Review of Resilient Indicators. In: , et al. Innovations in Industrial Engineering II. icieng 2022. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09360-9_23

Applying Machine Learning Techniques to the Analysis and Prediction of Financial Data.

Autores: Pablo Flores-Siguenza, Darío Espinoza-Saquicela, Marlon Moscoso-Martínez & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Data analysis and processing allow for acquiring competitive advantages both in the business and academic and research worlds. One of the sciences that carries out this analysis is machine learning, which has evolved with greater emphasis in recent years due to its advantages and applicability in different areas. Aware of the importance and current relevance of data management for industries, especially in the banking sector, this study applies supervised learning techniques to generate classification and prediction models by treating a set of data from an Ecuadorian financial institution. Different algorithms are compared, and each of the steps to follow in constructing the models is explained in detail. This allows the financial entity to classify its clients as VIPs or not with greater certainty, as well as to predict the investment amounts of the potential clients based on variables such as age, occupation, and among others. The main results show that the K-nearest neighbor algorithm with k = 5 is optimal for classification, while for prediction, the multilayer perceptron algorithm is the most favorable.

Cita: Flores-Siguenza, P., Espinoza-Saquicela, D., Moscoso-Martínez, M., Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2023). Applying Machine Learning Techniques to the Analysis and Prediction of Financial Data. In: Yang, XS., Sherratt, R.S., Dey, N., Joshi, A. (eds) Proceedings of Eighth International Congress on Information and Communication Technology. ICICT 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 694. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3091-3_69

Analysis of Production Costs: An Approach to Decision-Making.

Autores: Sebastián Tapia-Quezada, Lisseth Lucero-Hurtado, Fabiola Reino-Cherrez, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion.

Resumen/Abstract: Due to competitive growth, companies need to have a cost system that allows them to identify all the costs incurred in the production process. Furthermore, it is necessary to know the company’s needs and production characteristics for its implementation. That is why the present investigation analyzes the production costs in an Ecuadorian textile SME dedicated to manufacturing and commercializing lingerie for the home. This study aims to identify a cost model that adapts to the characteristics and needs of the organization, both economical and productive. The methodology is based on a) organizational knowledge and information gathering, b) analyzing the production costs, and c) establishing the optimal cost model proposal. The findings indicate that the textile SME does not have a production cost system that allows timely decision-making. Thus, the study proposes implementing a cost system for operations since it best adapts to the characteristics and needs of the case study. Furtherm ore, this system aims to optimize the entity’s internal processes, allowing timely decision-making, both strategic and productive.

Cita: Tapia-Quezada, S., Lucero-Hurtado, L., Reino-Cherrez, F., Siguenza-Guzman, L. & Arcentales-Carrion, R. (2023). Analysis of Production Costs: An Approach to Decision-Making. In: FEMIB. http://dx.doi.org/10.5220/0011857000003494

Management Tools for Process Mapping and Modeling in Assembly Industry.

Autores: Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Dolores Sucozhañay, Regina Duran & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: In a highly globalized world affected by economic policies and a latent COVID-19 pandemic, companies need to organize or reorganize to achieve efficient operations. The correct management of organizations has led their administrators to adopt resourceful management models that guide their activities towards fulfilling their objectives. Thus, management tools have been presented as an effective alternative to control processes and activities. According to a previous study, the main tools that allow process mapping and modeling are Business Process Management (BPM), Business Process Reengineering (BPR), and Event Process Chain (EPC). This article analyzes their characteristics based on compatibility and affinity with four case studies dedicated to the assembly industry using this previous study. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the three tools related to the possible adaptability in the four companies are studied. This work uses qualitative qualification matrices, which answer specific questions, determine the potential improvement of organizational management, and create a methodology for mapping and modeling processes.

Cita: Arcentales-Carrion R., Morles E.C., Sucozhanay D., Duran R., Siguenza-Guzman L. (2022) Management Tools for Process Mapping and Modeling in Assembly Industry. In: Chauvin M.I.A., Botto-Tobar M., Díaz Cadena A., Montes León S. (eds) Sustainability, Energy and City. CSECity 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 379. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94262-5_17

New hybrid algorithm for supply chain optimization.

Autores: Carlos Cevallos, Mario Peña & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Optimization is the process of obtaining the best solutions to specific problems. In the literature, those problems have been optimized through a plethora of algorithms. However, these algorithms have many advantages but also disadvantages. In this article, a New Hybrid Algorithm for Supply Chain Optimization, NHA-SCO has been proposed in order to improve the benefits of objective function convergence. For the analysis of the results, three assembly companies have been utilized as case studies. These companies present their supply chains, i.e., networks where products flow from their raw material to the final products delivered to clients. These supply chains must satisfy different objectives, such as maximize benefits and service level and minimize scrap. For the evaluation of results, NHA-SCO has been compared to other well-known optimization algorithms. In the presented case studies, the NHA-SCO algorithm performs faster, or it converges in fewer iterations, obtaining similar or even better results than the other algorithms tested.

Cita: Cevallos C., Peña M., Siguenza-Guzman L. (2022) New Hybrid Algorithm for Supply Chain Optimization. In: Machado J., Soares F., Trojanowska J., Ivanov V. (eds) Innovations in Industrial Engineering. icieng 2021. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78170-5_25

Relevant Factors in the Inventory Record Inaccuracy for Retail Companies: A Study in Food Retail Industry.

Autores: Jorge Andrés Espinoza Aguirre, Mario Peña, Diana Jadan-Aviles & Juan Llivisaca.

Resumen/Abstract: Retail companies are an essential industry for economic development in every country. In these organizations, at least 60% of the assets correspond to inventory. Therefore, inventory record inaccuracy (IRI) is a problem among these companies. IRI is the gap generated between physical audits and system records, which affects the retailer by changing their book value, increasing economic losses, and providing poor customer service. This study aims to identify the factors that cause IRI in retail companies and, using a mathematical model, works to help retailers minimize the gap between registers. As a consequence, retailers can reduce potential losses in the company. Two mathematical models are proposed for each of the dependent variables: IRI and difference between records. The independent variables considered are quantity of sale of an item, cost, physical audit period, variety of products, product returns, sale price, and quantity sold. This work concludes by comparing both models, highlighting the most influential variables.

Cita: Espinoza Aguirre, J.A., Peña, M., Jadan-Avilés, D., Llivisaca, J. (2022). Relevant Factors in the Inventory Record Inaccuracy for Retail Companies: A Study in Food Retail Industry. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_40

Textile Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Layout Dynamics in the Ecuadorian Context.

Autores: Pablo Flores-Siguenza, Rodrigo Guamán, César Rosero-Mantilla, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Diana Jadan-Avilés.

Resumen/Abstract: Micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSME) role in developing national economies is critical. These enterprises constantly search for effective tools to improve their production processes. However, methodologies proposed by numerous authors are not explicitly adapted to the size of such companies. MSMEs have been developed according to their specific needs, using particular procedures and adapting to a lack of financial resources to invest in substantial improvements. This study seeks to identify the characteristics, needs, and general context that impact layout planning decisions in textile MSMEs. This work proposes an evaluation tool that has been developed within different stages. These stages included a literature review, validation of the information obtained, and the application of the resulting tool in three case studies of textile MSMEs that face different situations. There are marked differences and similarities in the three textile enterprises, making it possible to identify the most important decisions that should be made when planning the layout for their production processes.

Cita: Flores-Siguenza, P., Guamán, R., Rosero-Mantilla, C., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Jadan-Avilés, D. (2022). Textile Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Layout Dynamics in the Ecuadorian Context. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_20

A Systematic Literature Review of Facility Layout Problems and Resilience Factors in the Industry.

Autores: Pablo Flores-Siguenza, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Freddy Lema, Franklin Tigre, Paúl Vanegas & Jonnatan Aviles-González.

Resumen/Abstract: Flexibility, quick responses to changes, and capacity to respond to external factors are strategies that companies must develop to ensure their continuity and face adverse situations. The flexibility that can be acquired by optimizing plant layout and resilience ensures continuity of production by reducing adverse external shocks. This article synthesizes critical elements used in models to solve facility layout problems, followed by analyzing the resilience variables and factors most frequently applied in the industry. A systematic literature review to achieve this objective was developed, including 170 articles published in 2010 and 2021. Its study was performed through the Atlas.ti software, an analysis of the 4W's (i.e., When, Who, What, and Where) was applied, and finally, answers to three research questions posed were given. Growth in the scientific interest of facility layout problems can be observed in the last five years, especially for dynamic problems and unequal areas, development of multi-objective models, and approach to metaheuristic solutions. Eventually, research gaps were also identified, highlighting the lack of inclusion of resilience factors in plant distribution models.

Cita: Flores-Siguenza, P., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Lema, F., Tigre, F., Vanegas, P., Aviles-González, J. (2022). A Systematic Literature Review of Facility Layout Problems and Resilience Factors in the Industry. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_19

Indicators to Evaluate Elements of Industry 5.0 in the Textile Production of MSMEs.

Autores: Pablo Flores-Siguenza, Bernarda Vásquez-Salina, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion & Dolores Sucozhañay.

Resumen/Abstract: Textile MSMEs are going through a period of instability and greater difficulty in executing their operations due to factors derived from the pandemic, globalization, policies, and environmental and social needs. This is driving companies to abandon classic methods and turn to the use of innovative concepts as manners to promote sustainability and resilience. One of these concepts is Industry 5.0, which, according to the European Commission, focuses on sustainable manufacturing and operator well-being and complements Industry 4.0 as it seeks to improve factory efficiency through technology by placing the human being at the center of development. At the same time, it minimizes environmental and social impacts and enhances resilience. Aware that implementing these new trends is a challenge for MSMEs, this study contributes to the generation of indicators to evaluate elements of Industry 5.0 in the textile production of MSMEs, supporting the development and implementation of strategies focused on this area. The construction of the set of indicators is based on a 3-phase framework that consists of doing a systematic literature review, selecting the indicators by a process of analysis and comparison, and expanding their characteristics through elaborating data sheets. As part of the results, 172 indicators completed a rigorous selection and validation process. These will serve as the basis for developing sustainable, resilient, and human-centered production models that can be carried out in future research.

Cita: Flores-Siguenza, P., Vásquez-Salinas, B., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Arcentales-Carrion, R., Sucozhañay, D. (2022). Indicators to Evaluate Elements of Industry 5.0 in the Textile Production of MSMEs. In: Herrera-Tapia, J., Rodriguez-Morales, G., Fonseca C., E.R., Berrezueta-Guzman, S. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies. TICEC 2022. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1648. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-18272-3_7

Decision-Making of the University Libraries’ Digital Collection Through the Publication and Citation Patterns Analysis. A Literature Review.

Autores: Tania Landivar, Ronaldo Rendon & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: In recent years, different bibliometric methods and indicators, data mining techniques, and collection and visualization tools have been presented to analyze publication patterns and citations of scientific production. Moreover, some criteria and strategies for acquiring bibliographic databases allow forming a knowledge base for decision-making. Unfortunately, these data, methods, and tools are scattered in the literature. In this context, the objective of this article is to determine if the discovery of publication and citation patterns is being used to analyze scientific production in university libraries that helps decision-making on the subscription/acquisition of bibliographic databases. Fink’s methodology was applied in conjunction with the PICO structure for the literature review. This systematic review made it possible to compile relevant information from 167 articles published during the 2016–2020 period into a findings matrix and perform a metadata and content analysis. Among the study’s primary results, it stands out that the analysis of citations, the number of citations, and the VOSviewer collection and visualization tool have been the most outstanding for the study of scientific production. However, it has not had a significant impact as an aid to the acquisition/subscription of bibliographic databases.

Cita: Landivar, T., Rendon, R., Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2022). Decision-Making of the University Libraries’ Digital Collection Through the Publication and Citation Patterns Analysis. A Literature Review. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_6

Customer Segmentation in Food Retail Sector: An Approach from Customer Behavior and Product Association Rules.

Autores: Juan Llivisaca & Jonnatan Avilés-González .

Resumen/Abstract: In competitive markets, customer segmentation improves customer loyalty and business performance, but in practice, these analyses are carried out using simple relationships in dashboard, or Microsoft Excel’ sheets, which do not show customer behavior. Data segmentation in the era of big data has changed this paradigm with some techniques that try to decrease bias. In this research, four segmentation techniques are tested with a large set of data from a retail store. CLARA (Clustering Large Applications Algorithm) and Random Forest algorithms both were the best. Through the RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) approach, eight customer segments were found, where Champions customers spend more money and return frequently to the retail store. In addition, each segment of customer buys following a model, this was demonstrated with the a priori algorithm. Finally, some strategies are given into which products should go together and how to distribute them so that customers can find them, as well as the best-selling products.

Cita: Llivisaca, J., Avilés-González, J. (2023). Customer Segmentation in Food Retail Sector: An Approach from Customer Behavior and Product Association Rules. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2022. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1755. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24985-3_18

An Overview of Optimization Models and Technological Trends of Logistics in the Retail Sector.

Autores: Juan Llivisaca, Diana Jadan-Avilés, Rodrigo Guamán, Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrión, Mario Peña & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Recently, the e-commerce market has grown rapidly. For example, e-commerce generated sales of USD 504 billion in the US from January 1, 2020, to July 1, 2020, representing an increase of 11.58% over the same period in 2019. This growth has forced the retail industry has had to adopt strategies to become more efficient. About 40% of many companies ‘available time is devoted to logistics. Because these activities are consuming a disproportionate share of many companies’ time, logistics is a prime topic of interest. In this context, this study aims to present an overview of optimization models and technological trends in logistics in the retail sector. Findings show that retail logistics has focused on reducing costs, time usage, and inventories while increasing transport capacity. Optimization in logistics has focused on using mathematical algorithms such as genetic algorithms with different variants, and simulation has supported testing optimization proposals. Finally, big data, omnichannel, and e-commerce continue to grow, especially in the retail sector where it has grown considerably.

Cita: Llivisaca, J., Jadan-Avilés, D., Guamán, R., Arcentales-Carrion, R., Peña, M., Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2022). An Overview of Optimization Models and Technological Trends of Logistics in the Retail Sector. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_35

Demand Forecasting for Textile Products Using Machine Learning Methods.

Autores: Héctor Medina, Mario Peña, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Rodrigo Guamán.

Resumen/Abstract: Due to its close relationship with various operational decisions, market demand forecasting has been considered one of the essential activities in all organizations. Unfortunately, the textile industry has been the most difficulty generating forecasts, mainly due to the volatility caused in the market by short product life cycles, special events, and competitions. From the beginning, forecasting has been using traditional statistical methods. However, the increasing use of artificial intelligence has opened a new catalog of prediction methods currently being studied for their high precision. This study explores machine learning (ML) as a tool to generate forecasts for the textile industry, applying regression-focused algorithms such as Linear Regression, Ridge, Lasso, K-nearest neighbor, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Random Forest (RF). To this end, time series were used as inputs for the models, supported by external variables such as Google Trends and special events. The results show that ML as a prediction method has higher precision than purely statistical basic prediction models. Additionally, SVR and Ridge models obtain a lower error in metrics such as MSE (0.09787 and 0.09682), RMSE (0.31285 and 0.31117), and RSE (0.32977 and 0.32800), respectively. Meanwhile, Google Trends reduces the MSE error by 2% and 15%, RMSE 1% and 7% and, RSE 1% and 7% for SVR and Ridge models, respectively.

Cita: Medina, H., Peña, M., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Guamán, R. (2022). Demand Forecasting for Textile Products Using Machine Learning Methods. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_23

Optimization Models Used in the Textile Sector: A Systematic Review.

Autores: María Belén Toledo, Christian Torres Torres, Juan Carlos Llivisaca, Mario Peña, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Jaime Veintimilla-Reyes.

Resumen/Abstract: In recent years, several works have been published dedicated to obtaining optimization models. Many of them have been applied in the textile sector because they are part of the economic development areas of a country. This article’s main objective is to review the literature published on optimization models and understand what methods their authors used to solve the optimization problems in the textile sector. A systematic methodology was applied to select research questions, digital databases, and search terms to utilize practical and methodological filters later to carry out this systematic review. This procedure allowed performing a review and synthesis of the results obtained on the optimization models. It was found that the models resulting from the systematic review vary depending on the areas to be optimized. The most frequent applications were logistics and production, followed by cost minimization. They were optimized mainly with linear programming, integer programming, Markov chains, genetic algorithms, and multi-objective programming.

Cita: Toledo, M.B., Torres Torres, C., Llivisaca, J.C., Peña, M., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Veintimilla-Reyes, J. (2022). Optimization Models Used in the Textile Sector: A Systematic Review. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_15

Internal Logistics Optimization Based on a Multi-objective Linear Model for Micro, Small, and Medium Textile Enterprises.

Autores: Christian Torres Torres, María Belén Toledo, Juan Carlos Llivisaca, Mario Peña, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Jaime Veintimilla-Reyes.

Resumen/Abstract: Daily, textile companies seek to increase production levels through available resources and improve their profit projections over time. Therefore, it is essential to manage the products to be manufactured based on their raw materials resources and time availability. This work proposes improving decision-making in textile production planning by applying a multi-objective linear optimization model to internal logistics within micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) of the Ecuadorian textile sector. The application of this optimization model results in a balanced production plan between the objectives related to profit maximization and the use of the time available for production. This article includes the description of the studied case, the definition of the optimization model executed by using the Gurobi solver, the results of the application of the optimization model with the data provided by a case study, and the discussion of the results through a sensitivity analysis.

Cita: Torres Torres, C., Toledo, M.B., Llivisaca, J.C., Peña, M., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Veintimilla-Reyes, J. (2022). Internal Logistics Optimization Based on a Multi-objective Linear Model for Micro, Small, and Medium Textile Enterprises. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_16

Technologies Applied to Solve Facility Layout Problems with Resilience – A Systematic Review.

Autores: Jorge Vázquez, Juan Carlos Llivisaca, Daisy Ortiz, Israel Naranjo & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: In the industry, the need to optimize daily tasks became mainly a requirement to stay competitive. The Facility Layout Problem (FLP) arises from this need and is the most used technique to improved manufacturing processes. Over the years, the distribution of the different facilities became more complex and more susceptible to interventions in their usual workflow. Hence, FLPs emerged to solve these interventions. This capacity to solve various problems is known as resilience. By searching the literature for information on technologies used to solve FLP, many software solutions can be obtained. Still, none of them manage resilience as a factor in the solution. They have also not been compiled in an analysis to determine the most modern options for existing solutions. The current study reviews the most widely used software tools that solve FLP and how these studies view resilience. A systematic literature review was applied to select relevant studies from 2015–2021. This work allowed analyzing a final sample of 133 articles obtained in two different search strings. As a result, this study identified two manners to solve FLP with software tools: using already developed tools and developing an own tool. In the former, three proprietary software were identified: MATLAB, CPLEX, and LINGO. When developing their software tool, the technology used varies significantly between studies. They use very different language programming, depending on the researcher’s domain. Furthermore, the results do not find any case in which some resilience factor was part of the solution obtained.

Cita: Vázquez, J., Llivisaca, J.C., Ortiz, D., Naranjo, I., Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2022). Technologies Applied to Solve Facility Layout Problems with Resilience – A Systematic Review. In: Botto-Tobar, M., Montes León, S., Torres-Carrión, P., Zambrano Vizuete, M., Durakovic, B. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1535. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03884-6_5

Integrating corporate social responsibility and quality management into the TDABC costing system: a case study in the assembly industry

Autores: Olga Vedernikova, Villie Morocho, Erik Sigcha, Lorena Segarra-Tapia & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to show the potential of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to value and integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and quality management (QM) processes in the assembly industry. It provides valuable insights about operational processes, sub-process and activities within assembly companies by using TDABC’s time equations with more accurate costs for the decision-making process. Design: The current paper proposes a new methodology framework with four QM and CSR implementation levels and several costing scenarios through the TDABC system. The valuation was built based on the activities of essential referents in each subject, such as ISO, Ethos Institute and electrostatic discharge control programs. To this end, a case study in the assembly industry processes was conducted with data from a TV assembler. Findings: The results highlight that TDABC can be extended to perform a cost analysis with QM and CSR processes. The environmental management and occupational safety and health administration processes were considered part of CSR to do so. Consequently, managers can simulate the cost and impact of incorporating CSR and QM in assembly processes and thus decide the implementation degree and its corresponding planning according to the needs and available resources. In this particular case, the company increases a maximum of 12% of its resources to be socially responsible and manage its products’ quality. Originality: Although theoretical models on CSR have been developed, the current study provides a practical framework based on TDABC scenarios that enterprises can easily implement to support and evaluate QM and CSR processes.

Cita: Vedernikova, O., Morocho, V., Sigcha, E., Segarra-Tapia, L. and Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2022), Integrating corporate social responsibility and quality management into the TDABC costing system: a case study in the assembly industry, Social Responsibility Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-11-2020-0455

Occupational Health and Safety for Decision-Making in the Framework of Corporate Social Responsibility: Models, Guidelines, and Indicators

Autores: Byron Calle, Erik Sigcha, Rodrigo Guamán & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a primary concern in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) discussion since the workers’ welfare is one of the main aspects of operating in a socially responsible manner. When searching for information about OSH management models, a large amount of content is obtained; however, they have not been compiled or synthesized for their analysis. The purpose of this study is to define the main models, guidelines, and indicators that allow building a conceptual framework for decision-making regarding the topic of OSH as a component for CSR. A literature review methodology was applied to select relevant information in the period 2009–2018 about OSH in manufacturing industries. This literature review allowed analyzing a final sample of 96 articles. As a result, this paper identifies the most applied OSH models, their benefits and challenges, as well as the main guidelines and indicators to be included as part of an OSH-based management model.

Cita: Calle, B., Sigcha, E., Guaman, R., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2021). Occupational Health and Safety for Decision-Making in the Framework of Corporate Social Responsibility: Models, Guidelines, and Indicators. Systems and Information Sciences, 1273, 157–169. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59194-6_14

Mathematical modeling to standardize times in assembly processes: Application to four case studies.

Autores: Eliezer Colina, Mario Peña, Villie Morocho & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Purpose: This paper proposes model-based standard times estimates, using multiple linear regression, nonlinear optimization, and fuzzy systems in four real cases assembly lines. The work includes a description of the models and a comparison of their performance with values obtained using the conventional chronometer method. These models allow estimating standard times without reconducting field studies.

Design/methodology/approach: For the development of the time study, the methodology applied by the International Labour Organization (ILO) was used as a baseline. This methodology is structured in three phases: selection of the case study, registration of the process by direct observation, and calculation/estimation of the standard time. The selected case studies belong to real assembly lines of motorcycles, television sets, printed circuit boards, and bicycles.

Findings: In the motorcycle’s assembly case, the study allowed constructing seven linear regression models to estimate standard times for assembling the front parts, and seven linear regression models to predict standard times for the rear parts of the different motorcycle types. Compared to the classical chronometer method, the results obtained never exceeded 10%. Regarding the case studies of assembling TV sets and PCBs, the study considered the construction of nonlinear optimization models that allow making appropriate predictions of the standard times in their assembly lines. Finally, for the bicycle assembly line, a fuzzy logic model to represent the standard time was constructed and validated.

Research limitations/implications: For reasons of confidentiality of information, this work omitted the names of companies, services, and models of manufactured products.

Originality/value: The literature consulted does not refer to the representation of standard time on assembly lines using mathematical models. The construction of these models with empirical data from actual assembly lines was a valuable aid to the companies involved in supporting activity planning.

Cita: Colina, E., Peña, M., Morocho, V., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2021). Mathematical modeling to standardize times in assembly processes: Application to four case studies. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(2), 294–310. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.3192

Modelo genérico de procesos para empresas de ensamblaje como estrategia de evaluación comparativa para la toma de decisiones.

Autores: Alejandra Luzuriaga, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Daniela Apolo, Rodrigo Guamán & Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion.

Resumen/Abstract: En un mercado exigente, las empresas requieren manejar sus procesos de manera eficiente y adecuada para competir en el mundo industrial y lograr la satisfacción de los clientes. Este artículo presenta la creación de un modelo genérico de procesos de ensamblaje y un modelo administrativo basados en subprocesos comunes tanto operacionales, estratégicos y de apoyo llevados a cabo en empresas de ensamblaje. Para este fin, el estudio tomó como referencia datos levantados en cuatro casos de estudio, pertenecientes al sector de televisores, tarjetas electrónicas, bicicletas y motocicletas, los mismos que permitieron la diagramación del modelo en una herramienta basada en la metodología de Gestión de Procesos de Negocio, BPM. Los resultados fueron validados con procesos operacionales, estratégicos y de apoyo de productos afines y no afines obtenidos de la literatura para mostrar que los procesos del modelo generado pueden tener subprocesos comunes como también diferentes. Estas comparaciones permitieron analizar y establecer ideas de mejoramiento de los procesos de ensamblaje.

Cita: Luzuriaga, A., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Apolo, D., Guaman, R., & Arcentales-Carrion, R. (2021). Modelo genérico de procesos para empresas de ensamblaje como estrategia de evaluación comparativa para la toma de decisiones. RISTI - Revista Iberica de Sistemas e Tecnologias de Informacao, E42, 579–592. http://www.risti.xyz/issues/ristie42.pdf

Inventory management for retail companies: A literature review and current trends

Autores: Cinthya Vanessa Muñoz Macas; Jorge Andrés Espinoza Aguirre; Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrión; Mario Peña.

Resumen/Abstract: In recent years, the correct management of inventories has become a fundamental pillar for achieving success in enterprises. Unfortunately, studies suggesting the investment and adoption of advanced inventory management and control systems are not easy to find. In this context, this article aims to analyze and present an extensive literature concerning inventory management, containing multiple definitions and fundamental concepts for the retail sector. A systematic literature review was carried out to determine the main trends and indicators of inventory management in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This research covers five years, between 2015 and 2019, focusing specifically on the retail sector. The primary outcomes of this study are the leading inventory management systems and models, the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for their correct management, and the benefits and challenges for choosing or adopting an efficient inventory control and management system. Findings indicate that SMEs do not invest resources in sophisticated systems; instead, a simple Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or even programs such as Excel or manual inventories are mainly used.

Cita: C. Vanessa Muñoz Macas, J. Andrés Espinoza Aguirre, R. Arcentales-Carrión and M. Peña, "Inventory management for retail companies: A literature review and current trends," 2021 Second International Conference on Information Systems and Software Technologies (ICI2ST), 2021, pp. 71-78, doi: 10.1109/ICI2ST51859.2021.00018.

Assessment of Supply Chain Performance in an Assembly Company: Evaluation of Evolutionary Algorithms

Autores: Josselin Orellana, Mario Peña, Juan Llivisaca.

Resumen/Abstract: In current globalized markets, companies no longer compete with each other. They now compete with the supply chains (SC) to which they belong. SC optimization allows efficient and effective management of resources. In many cases, optimization goals can conflict with one another. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate SC performance by comparing three optimization algorithms in a case study with multiple objectives. Two objectives are maximizing profit and maximizing the level of customer service. Also, the modeled problem considers multiple products and periods for two security inventory scenarios (maximum and minimum inventory levels). Evolutionary algorithms were compared: NSGA-II, MOPSO, and MOMA. The NSGA-II algorithm obtained the best result. With a minimum inventory level, NSGA-II presented 97.87% service level and the best benefit. Results show the importance of SC management and its optimization as well as some relevant variables to be considered.

Cita: Orellana J., Peña M., Llivisaca J. (2021) Assessment of Supply Chain Performance in an Assembly Company: Evaluation of Evolutionary Algorithms. In: García M.V., Fernández-Peña F., Gordón-Gallegos C. (eds) Advances and Applications in Computer Science, Electronics and Industrial Engineering. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1307. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4565-2_11

Lean Manufacturing for Optimizing Operational Processes in a Bicycle Assembly Line

Autores: Santiago Rodas, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Juan Llivisaca.

Resumen/Abstract: Manufacturing and assembly industries are continually searching to optimize their resources and achieve improvements in their production systems. At a time when the differentiating factor is found in efficiency and competitiveness in production, Lean Manufacturing (LM) philosophy contributes to these differentiators, focusing mainly on the elimination of waste to obtain an improvement in processes, quality, and delivery times, being evident the results in a short period. This article proposes optimizing processes within a bicycle assembly plant by applying a LM tool called Value Stream Map (VSM), which presents the current production processes and their requirements, facilitating the identification of waste within the system. Regarding process mapping, the bicycle model E26 was selected for illustrative purposes. Additionally, the 5S tool was used to maintain tidiness and cleanliness within the processes for obtaining an agile production flow. The study also included the balancing of lines, getting a reduction of 14% in “cycle time” and 66% in “lead time”, generating a mixed production (push and pull). Moreover, a warehouse distribution of raw material was proposed, obtaining the unification of all the materials involved in the process. Finally, the VSM future’s legitimacy was confirmed through simulation, validating the results obtained from the LM tools’ application.

Cita: Rodas S., Siguenza-Guzman L., Llivisaca J. (2021) Lean Manufacturing for Optimizing Operational Processes in a Bicycle Assembly Line. In: Botto-Tobar M., Montes León S., Camacho O., Chávez D., Torres-Carrión P., Zambrano Vizuete M. (eds) Applied Technologies. ICAT 2020. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1388. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71503-8_9

A Methodological Framework for Creating Large-Scale Corpus for Natural Language Processing Models

Autores: David Santos, Andrés Auquilla, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Mario Peña.

Resumen/Abstract:Currently, there is a boom in introducing Machine Learning models to various aspects of everyday life. A relevant field consists of Natural Language Processing (NLP) that seeks to model human language. A key and basic component for these models to learn properly consists of the data. This article proposes a methodological framework for constructing a large-scale corpus to feed NLP models. The development of this framework emerges from the problem of finding inputs in languages other than English to feed NLP models. With an approach focused on producing a high-quality resource, the construction phases were designed along with the considerations that must be taken. The stages implemented consist of the corpus characterization to be obtained, collecting documents, cleaning, translation, storage, and evaluation. The proposed approach implemented automatic translators to take advantage of the vast amount of English literature and implemented through non-cost libraries. Finally, a case study was developed, resulting in a corpus in Spanish with more than 170,000 documents within a specific domain, i.e., opinions on textile products. Through the evaluations carried out, it is established that the proposed framework can build a large-scale and high-quality corpus.

Cita: Santos D., Auquilla A., Siguenza-Guzman L., Peña M. (2021) A Methodological Framework for Creating Large-Scale Corpus for Natural Language Processing Models. In: Salgado Guerrero J.P., Chicaiza Espinosa J., Cerrada Lozada M., Berrezueta-Guzman S. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies. TICEC 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1456. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89941-7_7

PESTEL Analysis as a Baseline to Support Decision-Making in the Local Textile Industry.

Autores: Erik Sigcha, Andrés Martinez-Moscoso, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Diana Jadan.

Resumen/Abstract: The concept of sustainability has several possible meanings in the Ecuadorian context. This is especially true when it comes to the business sector because of the complexity related to implementing the Good Living concept and honoring the constitutional Rights of Nature. In Ecuador, most of the business sector is represented by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Thus, their role in the development of national economies is crucial. This sector has difficulty adapting its organizations to the way of sustainable development. In fact, the decision to incorporate the principle of sustainability in this transition period is a big challenge for MSMEs due to their limited resources and the competitive environment they face. This work studies the contextual aspects influencing the regular operations of the Ecuadorian MSMEs, with particular emphasis on the textile industry. To do so, a comprehensive literature review was performed by applying a political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) analysis. As a result, factors and implications were identified and explained in context, comprehensively, not individually. The information gathered yielded an overview of the sector, which serves as a baseline for the definition of the required models and tools for supporting sustainable decision-making in the local context.

Cita: Sigcha, E., Martinez-Moscoso, A., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Jadan, D. (2021). PESTEL Analysis as a Baseline to Support Decision-Making in the Local Textile Industry. Systems and Information Sciences, 1273, 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59194-6_13

Toward a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard for Managing Corporate Social Responsibility: A Conceptual Model.

Autores: Gabriela Sucozhañay, Fanny Cabrera, Dolores Sucozhañay, Rodrigo Guaman, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Paúl Vanegas.

Resumen/Abstract: The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) allows companies to track organizational operations and measure their impact on company objectives. To monitor the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and ensure its alignment with the company’s strategy, CSR elements need to be integrated into the organization’s dashboards. The main goals of this study are threefold: (1) identify the main CSR elements and the proposal of an analysis scheme for CSR’s strategies; (2) assess local and regional CSR implementations using the previously identified elements, and (3) incorporate the identified CSR metrics into a management dashboard based on the findings of the previous steps. Both a systematic literature review and in-depth analysis of case studies were used in this study. The results show that four elements: principles, dimensions, stakeholders, and means can be applied to analyze CSR strategies consistently. In addition, a structure for a management dashboard that incorporates subcategories and indicators for the assessment of sustainable CSR strategies aligned with the company goals is proposed.

Cita: Sucozhañay, G., Cabrera, F., Sucozhañay, D., Guaman, R., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Vanegas, P. (2021). Toward a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard for Managing Corporate Social Responsibility: A Conceptual Model. In M. V. García, F. Fernández-Peña, & C. Gordón-Gallegos (Eds.), Advances and Applications in Computer Science, Electronics and Industrial Engineering (pp. 279–298). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4565-2_18

A Model for Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Autores: Daniela Tapia, Paola Vintimilla, Ximena Alvarez, Juan Llivisaca, Mario Peña, Rodrigo Guamán, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Diana Jadan-Aviles.

Resumen/Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered dynamic agents within the business environment. Currently, SMEs have great potential for strong growth and great profit. However, their growth is restricted by the lack of systems that would allow integrating their data and activities. One possible solution is the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to increase the company’s level of efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity. However, implementation processes require investing resources and bring certain problems, e.g., the difficulty to fully adapt to the organization’s accounting and management procedures, and lack of experience of end-users in handling ERP systems. The aim of this study is focused on constructing a model for successfully implementing ERP systems into SMEs. This model used a group of critical success factors (CSF) to analyze empirical evidence in organizations. To its development, the interpretive structural modeling methodology was used, and it was validated in a focus group of experts in implementing and using ERP systems. The results show that the model is adequate for a successful implementation in SMEs engaged in sales, production, or service activities.

Cita: Tapia, D., Vintimilla, P., Alvarez, X., Llivisaca, J., Peña, M., Guamán, R., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Jadan-Aviles, D. (2021). A Model for Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems - Volume 1: ICEIS, 95–104. https://doi.org/10.5220/0010483200950104

Análisis de Tiempos Estándar en Empresas de Ensamble como insumo para la toma de decisiones.

Autores: Daniel Apolo, Rodrigo Guaman, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Alejandra Luzuriaga & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: El sector de la pequeña y mediana empresa ha ido ganando terreno en la producción de bienes y servicios a nivel mundial, creando un ambiente de alta competitividad que obliga a mejorar sus decisiones de incremento de productividad y eficiencia organizacional. Una herramienta muy útil para conseguir estas mejoras es el estudio de métodos y tiempos, orientada a proveer información sobre procesos, tiempos invertidos en operaciones, así como el cálculo y mejoramiento de tiempos estándar para la optimización de procesos y costos. Este trabajo describe un procedimiento para la obtención de tiempos estándar en procesos operacionales, estratégicos y de apoyo en cuatro empresas de ensamble: televisores, tarjetas electrónicas, motocicletas y bicicletas. Los tiempos obtenidos en los procesos operacionales fueron validados mediante comparaciones con resultados reportados en la bibliografía especializada, mientras que los tiempos asociados a procesos administrativos, estratégicos y de apoyo, fueron analizados internamente para los casos de estudio considerados.

Cita: Apolo, D., Guaman, R., Colina-Morles, E., Luzuriaga, A., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Análisis de Tiempos Estándar en Empresas de Ensamble como insumo para la toma de decisiones. RISTI (Iberian Journal of Information Systems and Technologies), E28, 779-790. http://www.risti.xyz/issues/ristie28.pdf

Process Mapping and Modeling: A Theoretical tool Analysis.

Autores: Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Dolores Sucozhanay, Regina Duran & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: The technological development and continuous changes in economic policies have motivated looking for greater efficiency in all levels of an organization. Organizations include in their management improvements that facilitate the control of their processes and activities. In this sense, management tools for process mapping and modeling have a positive influence on the companies’ performance since their inclusion encourages the improvement and optimization of daily activities. However, there is evidence of disadvantages in the application of some adopted methods. This paper analyzes the weaknesses and strengths of the available management models and tools to cover three specific purposes. Firstly, exploring different tools and models for process mapping and modeling used in business management. Secondly, prioritizing tools that enable their integration with the ISO standard and process costing systems. Finally, establishing the advantages and disadvantages of prioritized tools, as well as their main characteristics. To this end, this work contemplates a theoretical analysis and comparison of the methods Business Process Management (BPM), Business Process Reengineering (BPR), and Event Process Chain (EPC).

Cita: Arcentales-Carrion, R., Morles, E. C., Sucozhanay, D., Duran, R., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Process Mapping and Modeling: A Theoretical tool Analysis. TEST Engineering & Management, 83, 25914 – 25925. http://www.testmagzine.biz/index.php/testmagzine/article/view/12376

Integración de información de costos para la toma de decisiones en industrias de ensamblaje.

Autores: Bibiana Cárdenas Arias, Maritza Guamán Ochoa, Lorena Siguenza-Guzmán & Lorena Segarra.

Resumen/Abstract: El presente artículo reporta los resultados de un análisis in situ sobre la utilidad que tiene la información de costos para la toma de decisiones, en empresas de ensamblaje, a través de un caso de estudio en Ecuador. El estudio propone la integración de sistemas y herramientas para que una empresa pueda responder ante la necesidad de información de costos ya que las empresas precisan información entre lo que significa determinar el costo unitario y controlar los costos por áreas. Para esto, se considera, por un lado, el sistema de costeo por operaciones para la acumulación de costos y, por otro lado, el sistema por centros de costos para el control administrativo. A partir de la información obtenida de los sistemas de costeo, herramientas administrativas como el análisis costo-volumen-utilidad y la mezcla de productos para maximización de utilidades, son desarrollados para proporcionar a la gerencia información útil para la planeación y control de la producción en el corto plazo.

Cita: Cárdenas Arias, B. E., Guamán Ochoa, M. M., Siguenza-Guzmán, L., & Segarra, L. (2020). Integración de información de costos para la toma de decisiones en industrias de ensamblaje. Revista Economía y Política, 0(31), 100-117. https://doi.org/10.25097/rep.n31.2020.07

Optimization of Assembly Processes Based on Lean Manufacturing Tools. Case Studies: Television and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) Assemblers.

Autores: Silvana Cuesta, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Juan Llivisaca.

Resumen/Abstract: In the current global context, where competition is growing, it is necessary to change the ways how companies operate, eliminating waste through the implementation of optimization tools such as the ones included in the Lean Manufacturing (LM) philosophy. LM is defined as a systematic process of waste elimination, which achieves a sustained rate of improvement over time. This research describes an optimization proposal with LM tools, performing an analysis of the processes’ state of two companies focused on the assembly of televisions and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) for televisions, respectively. Through Value Stream Mapping (VSM), it was possible to identify problems in the production processes within the two case studies. Regarding televisions, the use of various tools such as 5S and Workloads led to the elimination of one workstation, projecting an increase of almost 5% of the units produced in the assembly capacity of the plant. In the case of PCBs, the distances traveled by operators was reduced with the use of plant distribution strategies and the creation of a supermarket to supply post-assembly activities. These actions allowed the company to reduce 35% in traveled distances and increase 3.69% in the number of produced units. Validation of the optimization proposal was done through computer simulations using a process modeling software.

Cita: Cuesta, S., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Llivisaca, J. (2020). Optimization of Assembly Processes Based on Lean Manufacturing Tools. Case Studies: Television and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) Assemblers, Applied Technologies. (Vol. 1195, pp. 443–454). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42531-9_35

Models, Guidelines and Trends for Process Quality Management: A Literature Review.

Autores: Anthony Guacho, Carolina Jara, Erik Sigcha, Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion, & Lorena Siguenza-Guzmán.

Resumen/Abstract: Although process quality management is a mainstay for achieving success in business, it does not have a unique concept that helps its definition and application. This is due to a large amount of information that can be found in the existing bibliography, resulted from the countless diversity of opinions and theories that have emerged over time. Consequently, the difficulty to find a solid and valid pronouncement that serves as a basis to build a model of process quality management was one of the reasons to perform this work, intending to define which components or guidelines to be considered for management. With this goal in mind, a systematic literature review has been performed to cover most of the theories and models currently existing around the concept of quality management. This research covers a period of ten years, between 2009 and 2018, focusing on the industrial sector. Among the main results, it has been possible to establish the identification of the most used models of quality management, the most important guidelines, and the main benefits or challenges for the integration of a process quality approach within strategic management.

Cita: Guacho, A., Jara, C., Sigcha, E., Arcentales-Carrion, R., & Siguenza-Guzmán, L. (2020). Models, Guidelines and Trends for Process Quality Management: A Literature Review. Information and Communication Technologies of Ecuador (TIC.EC), 1099, 225–238. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35740-5_16

Modelo de optimización para el cálculo de tiempos estándar en procesos de ensamblaje.

Autores: Paulina Guerrero, Rodrigo Guaman, Eliezer Colina Morles & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: En los procesos productivos, los tiempos de producción constituyen un factor importante que influye sobre la competitividad empresarial de cara al cumplimiento oportuno de los objetivos del negocio. Este artículo propone un modelo de optimización matemática, basado en la minimización de una función objetivo no lineal, para la estimación de tiempos estándar con error mínimo desde el ángulo de análisis de varianza, ANOVA, y la comparación de los resultados obtenidos respecto a los logrados con la metodología convencional basada en el uso del cronómetro. También se incluye la validación de resultados con dos casos reales de líneas de ensamblaje de televisores y tarjetas electrónicas. Finalmente, para facilitar una mejor comprensión de los casos de estudio, en términos de entradas, salidas y procesos, se desarrollan los modelos de procesos para los niveles estratégicos, operacional y de soporte, utilizando el Modelo y Notación de Procesos de Negocio (BPMN).

Cita: Guerrero, P., Guaman, R., Colina Morles, E. & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Modelo de optimización para el cálculo de tiempos estándar en procesos de ensamblaje. RISTI (Iberian Journal of Information Systems and Technologies), E37, 231–245. http://risti.xyz/issues/ristie37.pdf

Key Performance Indicators for the Supply Chain in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises based on Balance Score Card.

Autores: Juan Llivisaca, Diana Jadan, Rodrigo Guamán, Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrión, Mario Peña & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: A supply chain is a network of interaction between different actors, and indi-cators govern its behavior. The current research deals with the analysis and ranking of critical indicators for the supply chain in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To this end, firstly, a systematic review of supply chain management indicators for SMEs was carried out. Using data sources such as Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, 189 metrics were selected. Then, through practical and methodological filters, this number was reduced to 149. To organize these indicators, both models, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-model), were used to connect company strategies to their performance. Secondly, these measures formed part of a questionnaire answered by 30 SME experts. From their responses, critical indicators were evaluated through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), resulting in 50 key indicators. Finally, these indicators were ranked using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). For SCM in SMEs, findings indicate that the primary key perfor-mance indicators (KPIs) are cash flow, satisfaction rate, inventory rotation, and exchange of information through the supply chain.

Cita: Llivisaca, J., Jadan, D., Guamán, R., Arcentales-Carrión, R., Peña, M., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Key Performance Indicators for the Supply Chain in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises based on Balance Score Card. TEST Engineering & Management, 83, 25933 – 25945. http://www.testmagzine.biz/index.php/testmagzine/article/view/12378

Blockchain and Its Potential Applications in Food Supply Chain Management in Ecuador.

Autores: Mario Peña, Juan Llivisaca & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: In recent years, attention has been directed to the problem of food loss and waste. On the one hand, there is an increasing demand for higher quality fresh produce and products. On the other hand, studies suggest that at least one-third of food production is lost along its supply chain. The most crucial part is constituted by suppliers-retailers-consumers, since it presents the highest percentages of loss or waste. Several works in the literature suggest that the exchange of information is one of the most important means to reduce waste. Shared information can improve decisions regarding the quantity in supplier’s orders and vendor’s inventory allocation among retailers. Based on these needs, the Blockchain technology, developed in recent years to generate secure transactions on different sectors, has the characteristics of decentralization, information security, and reliability. If this technology can be applied as an underlying basis of a supply chain, it could improve exchanges of information and products among all parts of the system. In this context, the current article presents a systematic review on Blockchain in food supply chain management (FSCM) in Ecuador, its main contributions, and potential benefits. Findings indicate that Blockchain in FSCM is a recent research area whose importance is rapidly growing. However, little is known about Ecuadorian studies applying Blockchain. Additionally, no studies have reported the combination of Blockchain and Internet of Things technologies, one of the most prominent and complementary applications of Blockchain.

Cita: Peña, M., Llivisaca, J., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Blockchain and Its Potential Applications in Food Supply Chain Management in Ecuador. In M. Botto-Tobar, J. León-Acurio, A. Díaz Cadena, & P. Montiel Díaz (Eds.), Advances in Emerging Trends and Technologies, 1066, 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32022-5_10

Optimization of Motorcycle Assembly Processes based on Lean Manufacturing tools.

Autores: Jonnathan Quezada, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Juan Llivisaca.

Resumen/Abstract: Global competition and economic dynamism force the assembly industry to look for productive philosophies of improvement, optimizing processes, and resources. The challenge in the optimization process involves finding tools that will grant an optimal process. This article proposes a process optimization through the application of Lean Manufacturing tools, with the necessary guidelines analyzed and verified by computational simulation in a motorcycle assembler. Firstly, applying a plant distribution, together with the change of productive system, allowed the reduction of distances, elimination of unnecessary movements, and reprocessing. Then, Pull System reduced the stock of both the product in process and the final product in the warehouse, avoiding the generation of future waste and expenses due to overproduction. Finally, the use of the 5S tool entailed maintaining order and cleanliness inside the plant to facilitate the management of internal resources. In the study reported, an average reduction of 40% in assembly time and an average increase in production of 30% of all motorcycle models that were part of the study are achieved.

Cita: Quezada, J., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Llivisaca, J. C. (2020). Optimization of Motorcycle Assembly Processes based on Lean Manufacturing tools. Advances and Applications in Computer Science, Electronics and Industrial Engineering, 1078, 247–259. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33614-1_17

Prediction of Standard Times in Assembly Lines Using Least Squares in Multivariable Linear Models.

Autores: John Ramirez, Rodrigo Guaman, Eliezer Colina Morles & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Currently, the highly competitive environment of the assembly industries has been an engine for them to seek differentiating factors for improving their efficiency. One of these factors is the study of times and methods (referred to the analysis and the critical and systematic examination of how a task is presently performed, facilitating to find more effective methods), which allows alleviating internal and external aspects that affect productivity and provides the basis for management decision-making. The present work has two primary objectives; firstly, the calculation of standard times within the enterprise operative area and, additionally, the development of a mathematical model for time prediction. For the fulfillment of these purposes, a referential conceptual framework was established about the study of time and the multiple linear regression model. This framework allowed elaborating a procedure for the development of the mathematical prediction model, together with its validation. The study concludes with a discussion on the importance of having models to estimate standard times in business decision making, and the establishment of relevant conclusions.

Cita: Ramirez, J., Guaman, R., Morles, E. C., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Prediction of Standard Times in Assembly Lines Using Least Squares in Multivariable Linear Models, Applied Technologies (Vol. 1195, pp. 455–466). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42531-9_36

Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility to a Process-based Cost Analysis System.

Autores: Erik Sigcha, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Villie Morocho.

Resumen/Abstract: The high competitiveness in the industrial sector has motivated companies to change their former approaches to include sustainable development as a strategy to generate a positive impact on society and the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a key topic for organizations seeking to achieve sustainable development, but its inclusion in daily practices requires a sophisticated implementation process. This article analyzes strategies to include CSR practices as part of process management within assembly companies. To this end, a previous literature review was performed of the CSR concept and its dimensions to identify the main models and standards used as guides in the subject. Thereby, guidelines, recommendations, and indicators were identified, which can be adopted to operate in a socially responsible manner. As a result, we present an action plan for the CSR implementation, the definition of software tools to support CSR-based management, a conceptual data model, a system architecture for process management and the outline of a CSR evaluation process.

Cita: Sigcha, E., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Morocho, V. (2020). Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility to a Process-based Cost Analysis System. Information and Communication Technologies of Ecuador (TIC.EC), 1099, 211–224. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35740-5_15

Costing model based on time invested by activity for technological services in Higher Education Institutions: A case study.

Autores: Rosana Valdivieso-Donoso, Fabián Ayabaca & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: El método de costeo basado en tiempo invertido por actividad, TDABC, es una técnica utilizada generalmente en el sector de la producción que se ha adaptado al entorno de servicios, tales como el área de la salud y bibliotecas. Sin embargo, su aplicación en servicios tecnológicos ha sido muy poco explorada. Este trabajo propone un modelo de costos basado en el tiempo invertido por actividad para servicios tecnológicos en Instituciones de Educación Superior, tomando como caso de estudio una universidad pública en el Ecuador. Donde, los costos de los recursos y el tiempo de cada actividad y servicio fueron utilizados para estimar los costos por minuto y totales de los servicios tecnológicos. Los hallazgos resaltan la importancia de conocer los costos relacionados a la prestación de servicios tecnológicos ya que permiten una mejor gestión financiera y constituyen un aporte en el área de tecnologías de la información.

Cita: Valdivieso-Donoso, R., Ayabaca, F., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2020). Costing model based on time invested by activity for technological services in Higher Education Institutions: A case study. RISTI (Iberian Journal of Information Systems and Technologies), E25, 308–321. http://www.risti.xyz/issues/ristie25.pdf

Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in the Assembly Industry.

Autores: Olga Vedernikova, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Johanna Pesantez & Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion.

Resumen/Abstract: Costs and their determination play a critical role in all manufacturing companies. The traditional costing system has received criticism resulting from the arbitrary allocation of indirect manufacturing costs. As an important initiative to address its weaknesses, new costing methods such as the Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) have emerged. Unfortunately, up to our knowledge, no investigations have been applied in analyzing assembly companies thoroughly nor considering all the processes necessary to obtain the final products. This article explores the TDABC application in the assembly industry through comparison with traditional volume-based costing by focusing on manual and semi-automatized production. Since the research is descriptive, a multiple-case study design was implemented in the assembly of televisions, motorcycles, and printed circuit boards. The developed methodology allowed determining the existence of factory overhead and direct labor cost variances between two different cost accounting systems, which also affected the unit cost of the products. Findings also highlight the benefits of TDABC application in the assembly industry, along with the shortcomings and future potential of research in this area.

Cita: Vedernikova, O., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Pesantez, J., & Arcentales-Carrion, R. (2020). Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in the Assembly Industry. Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal, 14(4), 2020, 3-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.14453/aabfj.v14i4.2

Levantamiento de procesos como base para la aplicación de sistemas de costeo basado en actividades en empresas de ensamblaje.

Autores: Xiomara Benavídez Vera, Erika Segarra Farfán, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Rodrigo Arcentales-Carrion.

Resumen/Abstract: El mundo competitivo de hoy en día requiere que las industrias modernas de ensamblaje reestructuren sus procesos para maximizar eficiencias. Con evidencia reunida en dos líneas de ensamblaje, una manual y otra semiautomática, este trabajo propone el mapeo de procesos como punto inicial para la aplicación de un sistema de costos basado en actividades. Para este propósito, se recopilan datos a través de técnicas de observación empírica y entrevistas individuales. Posteriormente, esta información se transfiere a hojas de proceso según las normas ISO 9001 y notación BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) y se la analiza mediante técnicas estadísticas. El trabajo concluye que el mapeo de procesos facilita la aplicación de sistemas de cálculo de costos basados en actividades y la optimización de procesos para un mejor desempeño de la organización.

Cita: Benavídez Vera, E. X., Segarra Farfán, E. M., Colina-Morles, E., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Arcentales-Carrion, R. (2019). Levantamiento de procesos como base para la aplicación de sistemas de costeo basado en actividades en empresas de ensamblaje. Revista Economía y Política, 30, 40–71. https://doi.org/10.25097/rep.n30.2019.03

Levantamiento de procesos en industrias de ensamblaje de bicicletas usando BPMN e ISO.

Autores: José Castro Cambizaca, Jessica Rodas Gavilanes, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Rodrigo Arcentales Carrión.

Resumen/Abstract: En la actualidad, la estructura organizativa de las empresas ha experimentado cambios en su concepto, definiendo a toda organización como una red de procesos interconectados e interrelacionados con el fin de maximizar la satisfacción del cliente. Ante ello, un enfoque basado en procesos elimina las tradicionales barreras departamentales, cambiando la visión funcional e individual por departamentos a una visión global que da a conocer cómo los macroprocesos se relacionan entre sí. El objetivo del artículo es describir el levantamiento de procesos estratégicos, operativos y de apoyo de una empresa de ensamblaje de bicicletas, con la finalidad de tener un conocimiento detallado de la situación actual de la organización. Para cumplir con este fin, los procesos primero fueron identificados mediante entrevistas y observaciones. La información fue documentada en fichas de procesos basados en la normativa ISO 9001 y diagramas de flujo utilizando notación BPMN. Finalmente, los subprocesos críticos fueron establecidos mediante análisis estadísticos, determinándose por ejemplo que el subproceso crítico en el ensamblaje de bicicletas es la pintura. En total se levantaron 395 subprocesos y 3363 actividades. Se concluye que el levantamiento de procesos permite gestionar eficiente y eficazmente los recursos asignados para cada actividad, reduciendo costos y maximizando ganancias.

Cita: Castro Cambizaca, J., Rodas Gavilanes, J., Colina-Morles, E., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Arcentales Carrión, R. (2019). Levantamiento de procesos en industrias de ensamblaje de bicicletas usando BPMN e ISO. Libro de Memorias Del VI Congreso de La Red Ecuatoriana de Universidades y Escuelas Politécnicas Para Investigación y Posgrados, 970–978. Disponible en: https://www.utn.edu.ec/jornadasinvestigacion/index.php/libro/

A hybrid algorithm for supply chain optimization of assembly companies.

Autores: Carlos Cevallos, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman & Mario Peña.

Resumen/Abstract: A fundamental goal of any system is to get an optimal state. These optimal states can be found in different areas, such as medicine, engineering, or architecture. In the field of industrial engineering, one of its objectives is improving or optimizing company processes in order to increase benefits while reducing costs. In this context, an essential component is the supply chain, which is a network in that different entities, such as manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, transporters, and customers or end-users, are associated. Several optimization algorithms with different approaches have been developed to optimize the supply chain. Nevertheless, they still have problems to fulfill some requirements at once. This research aims to develop a hybrid optimization algorithm that leverages the capabilities of different approaches. This algorithm, which presents a multi-objective optimization schema, meets a tradeoff between the optimization results quality and the runtime. To this end, a manufacturing and assembly company is used as case study to prove the algorithm. The results are also compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms using the same execution environment and general settings. Findings indicate that the hybrid algorithm converges in less time and in most cases, it could reach the global optimal.

Cita: Cevallos, C., Siguenza-Guzman, L., & Peña, M. (2019). A hybrid algorithm for supply chain optimization of assembly companies. 2019 IEEE Latin American Conference on Computational Intelligence (LA-CCI), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/LA-CCI47412.2019.9037050

A process collection methodology towards TDABC costing optimization of IT services: A case study in an Ecuadorian university.

Autores: Carlos Ribadeneira, Lorena Tuapante, Lorena Siguenza-Guzman, Fabián Ayabaca, Andrés Tello & Paúl Vanegas.

Resumen/Abstract: ICT plays a paramount role in successful organizations. In order to achieve organizational goals, ICT services have to be closely overseen. Tools such as costing methods allow managers to be alert. Implementing a costing method for ICT services not only helps to justify investments, but also optimizes the cost of services. However, methodologies related to providing input to develop a costing model are limited. This research ameliorates ICT service management by proposing a process collection methodology that contributes to the creation of a costing model with TDABC. The proposed methodology has been tested in an IT department in an Ecuadorian University. It matched the collected information with ITIL enabling the department to manage its IT service performance. The obtained processes, activities, times and resources from operative IT services displayed substantive input to design a costing model to improve the IT department and; thereby, the organization’s management as a whole.

Cita: Ribadeneira, C., Tuapante, L., Siguenza-Guzman, L., Ayabaca, F., Tello, A., & Vanegas, P. (2019). A process collection methodology towards TDABC costing optimization of IT services: A case study in an Ecuadorian university. RISTI (Revista Ibérica de Sistemas y Tecnologías de La Información), (E20), 541–552. http://www.risti.xyz/issues/ristie20.pdf

Modelo matemático basado en programación lineal y lógica difusa para predicción de tiempos en industrias de ensamble de bicicletas.

Autores: Pedro Rodas, Rodrigo Guaman, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Mario Peña & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: En la industria de ensamblaje se presentan altos grados de incertidumbre al identificar problemas operacionales, debido a limitados recursos y al control ineficiente de producción. Centrándose en el ensamble de bicicletas, este artículo presenta un modelo que combina programación lineal y lógica difusa para obtener tiempos estándar asociados a la producción de bicicletas. La minimización de la función objetivo se la realizó a través de Excel “Solver”, y su formulación involucró la identificación de variables, restricciones, parámetros constantes, condiciones de trabajo y tasas de producción. Los tiempos obtenidos del modelo de programación lineal ingresan como variables en el modelo de lógica difusa, para dar como resultado tiempos estándar. Este estudio permite una identificación del estado actual del proceso productivo, obteniendo el máximo beneficio en recursos operativos y condiciones de trabajo. Además, el modelo mejora la toma de decisiones a través de un control de incertidumbre en la planificación de la producción.

Cita: Rodas, P., Guaman, R., Colina Morles, E., Peña, M., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2019). Modelo matemático basado en programación lineal y lógica difusa para predicción de tiempos en industrias de ensamble de bicicletas. RISTI (Revista Ibérica de Sistemas y Tecnologías de La Información), (E19), 581–594. http://www.risti.xyz/issues/ristie19.pdf

A Software Platform for Processes-Based Cost Analysis in the Assembly Industry.

Autores: Erik Sigcha, Eliezer Colina-Morles, Villie Morocho & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: Processes and resources management are important current discussions related to decision making in the industrial field. This fact motivates companies to search for management models to improve their processes and services continuously. In order to achieve this purpose, approaches such as Business Process Management (BPM) and Time-Driven Activity-based Costing (TDABC) are used as bases for models design. This article describes the validation process of a software platform constructed using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and TDABC paradigms aimed at analyzing processes costs in assembly companies. This work contemplates a description of the methodologies applied, functionalities implemented and validations steps performed. The platform also serves to generate process diagnosis in assembly companies prior to full BPM implementation.

Cita: Sigcha, E., Colina-Morles, E., Morocho, V., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2019). A Software Platform for Processes-Based Cost Analysis in the Assembly Industry. In Á. Rocha, C. Ferrás, & M. Paredes (Eds.), Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing (Vol. 918, pp. 230–241). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11890-7_23

Towards the Implementation of a Software Platform Based on BPMN and TDABC for Strategic Management.

Autores: Erik Sigcha, Villie Morocho & Lorena Siguenza-Guzman.

Resumen/Abstract: The strategic management of resources and processes has become a key element to enable industries to achieve their goals of minimising costs and maximising profits. Business Process Management (BPM) and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) are two important tools that allow business managers to identify both activities performed and resources used within a company. Therefore, taking advantage of the integration of these tools may result in a deeper analysis of the state of a company.

This paper presents the development of a platform for integrating Business Process Management Notation (BPMN), to represent and store process flows, and TDABC, to obtain an estimation of their associated costs. To achieve this aim, the study reviews some methodologies used for modelling costing-oriented processes and for estimating process costs. The resulting software is a tool to support the first three phases of the BPM lifecycle, i.e., process identification, discovery and analysis, and the TDABC calculations.

Cita: Sigcha, E., Morocho, V., & Siguenza-Guzman, L. (2019). Towards the Implementation of a Software Platform Based on BPMN and TDABC for Strategic Management. In M. Botto-Tobar, G. Pizarro, M. Zúñiga-Prieto, M. D’Armas, & M. Zúñiga Sánchez (Eds.), International Conference on Technology Trends (Vol. 895, pp. 259–273). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05532-5_19

Análisis y diseño de un software de gestión de procesos y costos en empresas de ensamblaje.

Autores: Eduardo Merchán, Erik Sigcha, Villie Morocho, Paúl Cabrera,& Lorena Siguenza-Guzmán.

Resumen/Abstract: En un entorno de alta competitividad empresarial, la gestión estratégica de procesos es un factor primordial para el normal desenvolvimiento de las industrias debido a su impacto directo en los objetivos de toda empresa; entre los primordiales, minimizar costos y maximizar utilidades. Desafortunadamente, su consecución se ve afectada diariamente por factores internos y externos, que inciden en el cumplimiento de los procesos realizados. El presente artículo tiene dos propósitos. Primero, documentar el análisis y diseño de una plataforma informática para el apoyo a la gestión de costos y procesos de ensamblaje, mediante el sistema de costes basados en el tiempo invertido por actividad (TDABC). Segundo, verificar si el desarrollo de la plataforma permite superar algunas de las limitaciones del sistema de costeo. Para esto, se establece primero un marco teórico que se centra en describir los principales sistemas de costeo existentes. Seguidamente, el estudio documenta el análisis y diseño de una plataforma informática haciendo uso de metodologías ágiles. El desarrollo supone una evolución de la experiencia previa de desarrollo de un prototipo que aplica TDABC para el manejo de procesos en bibliotecas. Adicionalmente, la sección de discusión presenta una interpretación sobre las principales implicaciones de usar el sistema informático como apoyo en la gestión de costos y procesos de ensamblaje. El artículo finaliza extrayendo las conclusiones más importantes del análisis efectuado.

Cita: Merchán, E., Sigcha, E., Morocho, V., Cabrera, P., & Siguenza-Guzmán, L. (2018). Análisis y diseño de un software de gestión de procesos y costos en empresas de ensamblaje. Maskana, 9(1), 79–88. DOI: 10.18537/mskn.09.01.08