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Re-Designing Business Process Models for Enhancing Sustainability in Spinach Production Through Lean Tools with Digital Transformation

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Listed:
  • Juan Diego Guerra

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru)

  • Greisy Palomino

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru)

  • Orkun Yildiz

    (The European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
    Faculty of Industrial Engineering, National Major University of San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
    MIS Department, Facuty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Izmir Democracy Universiy, Izmir 35620, Türkiye)

  • Iliana Araceli Macassi

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru)

  • Jose C. Alvarez

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru)

Abstract

This study addresses rising sustainability demands in the agro-industry by examining how data-driven approaches can reduce inefficiencies, waste, and poor resource use in spinach production. It investigates the impact of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), First-In–First-Out (FIFO), process standardization, and circular economy practices—enhanced through digital transformation—on operational efficiency in a Peruvian agro-industrial firm. An exploratory case study was conducted using pilot implementations, direct observation, and quantitative analysis. Statistical tools, including Holt–Winters forecasting, were applied to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Digital technologies supported data collection, traceability, and decision-making. An exploratory case study was conducted using pilot implementations, direct observation, and quantitative analysis. The integration of digital tools with lean and circular practices supports sustainable agro-industrial supply chains, contributing to food security and socio-economic resilience. This research offers a holistic, data-driven framework that aligns operational excellence with sustainability and digital innovation. Findings are based on a single case, limiting their generalizability. Broader applications and long-term effects warrant further study. Practitioners should adopt system-thinking approaches integrating digital, lean, and circular strategies. Future research should explore scalability, cost-efficiency, and policy support mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Diego Guerra & Greisy Palomino & Orkun Yildiz & Iliana Araceli Macassi & Jose C. Alvarez, 2025. "Re-Designing Business Process Models for Enhancing Sustainability in Spinach Production Through Lean Tools with Digital Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5673-:d:1683262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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