Textile micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) layout dynamics in the ecuadorian context

Abstract

Micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSME) role in developing national economies is critical. These enterprises constantly search for effective tools to improve their production processes. However, methodologies proposed by numerous authors are not explicitly adapted to the size of such companies. MSMEs have been developed according to their specific needs, using particular procedures and adapting to a lack of financial resources to invest in substantial improvements. This study seeks to identify the characteristics, needs, and general context that impact layout planning decisions in textile MSMEs. This work proposes an evaluation tool that has been developed within different stages. These stages included a literature review, validation of the information obtained, and the application of the resulting tool in three case studies of textile MSMEs that face different situations. There are marked differences and similarities in the three textile enterprises, making it possible to identify the most important decisions that should be made when planning the layout for their production processes.