Automatización del control de inventarios en el palacio de las carnes mediante la implementación de un sistema de gestión de datos integrado a Power BI

Abstract

El Palacio de las Carnes is a family-run butcher shop in Villavicencio with sixteen years of experience and two active locations. The business’ growth (opening new branches and expanding its range of meat and non-meat products) has created challenges in inventory management and control. Currently, inventory is recorded manually, leading to delays, inconsistencies, and difficulty in anticipating shortages or overstocking, resulting in financial losses due to spoilage and stockouts. To address this, a data management system integrated with Power BI was implemented to automate the recording of product entries and exits, optimize inventory tracking, and improve decision-making. The project employed a continuous improvement and process analysis methodology, which included organizing the space using 5S techniques, developing Lean Six Sigma tools to diagnose the current process, and designing, implementing, and monitoring a data management system connected to an interactive dashboard in Power BI. This solution centralized information facilitated its updating, and provided real-time visualization of sales, inventory levels, and product turnover. As a result of the implementation, the time spent on inventory registration and querying was reduced, errors associated with manual control were decreased, and the accuracy of the available information improved. Furthermore, a reduction in losses due to expiration and shrinkage was observed, along with more timely product replenishment and improved operational organization within the establishment. In conclusion, the automation of inventory control significantly contributed to process efficiency, resource utilization, and more reliable and timely management at El Palacio de las Carnes.