The footwear manufacturing sector is a key industry in the national economy, particularly among micro and small enterprises (MSEs), which face constant challenges related to low productivity, inefficient use of materials, rework, and long cycle times. This research proposes a continuous improvement model that integrates work standardization and the Demand-Driven MRP (DDMRP) methodology, complemented by sensor-based data collection technologies, in order to optimize the validation process. The study is conducted as a case study applied to an MSE in the footwear sector, using a hybrid approach that combines pilot implementation on the factory floor with simulation in Arena software. The main indicators analyzed were total productivity, cycle time, productivity per man-hour, rework, and material costs. The results obtained from the sample show a 26% improvement in productivity, an 88% reduction in rework, and a 7.5% optimization of cycle time, demonstrating the positive impact of the proposed model on operational performance. This research provides a replicable foundation for other micro and small enterprises in the sector, fostering a culture of continuous improvement geared toward competitiveness and sustainability.

Keywords

Productivity, footwear sector, DDMRP, Work standardization, Continuous improvement