Aplicación de la metodología Lean Manufacturing como estrategia de adaptación ante la reducción de la jornada laboral en el sector industrial alimenticia – Caso de estudio

Abstract

Problem: the progressive reduction of working hours in Colombia, established by Law 2101 of 2021, poses significant challenges for industrial companies in terms of productivity, operational efficiency, and sustainability, within a context of low national labor productivity compared to international standards. Objective, to propose a strategy for implementing Lean Manufacturing tools as an alternative to optimize productivity in response to reduced working hours in the Colombian industrial sector. Method, this study adopts a mixed-methods approach, primarily based on a systematic literature review using scientific databases such as Scopus, Scielo, and ScienceDirect, complemented by the analysis of national case studies and the evaluation of barriers, opportunities, and impacts related to Lean implementation. Results, the findings indicate that tools such as 5S, SMED, TPM, Kanban, VSM, and Kaizen effectively reduce waste, optimize processes, improve quality, and enhance operational efficiency, thereby compensating for potential productivity losses resulting from reduced working time. Key barriers include lack of knowledge, insufficient training, resistance to change, and financial constraints, while opportunities are linked to workforce development and organizational culture strengthening. Discussion, the results confirm that Lean Manufacturing represents not only a tactical response but also a structural strategy that enhances business competitiveness, promotes continuous improvement, and enables organizations to achieve more with fewer resources without increasing labor costs or compromising quality.