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

Juan Diego Guerra, Greisy Palomino, Orkun Yildiz, Iliana Araceli Macassi and Jose C. Alvarez ()
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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
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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-19

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.

Keywords: spinach production line optimization; lean tools with data analytics-driven approach; digital transformation; sustainable supply chain management; agro-industry sector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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