Estudio de caso sobre el impacto de las herramientas digitales en una empresa chocolatera

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53591/easi.v4i1.2062

Keywords:

Digital tools, digitalization, production, industry, digital transformation

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of digital tools on production processes in a chocolate industry company in Ecuador, within the broader context of Industry 4.0. Through a qualitative and descriptive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten employees working in production and administration. The objective was to explore the perceived benefits, challenges, and operational changes associated with the integration of digital technologies. The research followed a non-experimental, inductive design, and used Atlas.ti for thematic coding and qualitative analysis. The results reveal that digital tools have significantly transformed core areas such as production, distribution, and marketing. The most used technologies include management software, machinery sensors, CRM systems, and social media platforms. Participants highlighted improvements in efficiency, error reduction, and resource optimization, as well as challenges related to staff training and technological adaptation. This study contributes empirical evidence on how digitalization unfolds in small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging economies. It also offers insights into the design of inclusive innovation strategies and context-specific policies to support digital transformation, particularly in the food sector.

Author Biographies

  • Ricardo Vega Granda, Faculty of Humanities and Education Sciences, UMECIT University, Panama, and Full Professor at the University of Guayaquil, Ecuador. , Faculty of Humanities and Education Sciences, UMECIT University, Panama, and Full Professor at the University of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

    Ricardo Alfredo Vega Granda, PhD. Doctorate from the National Universidad de Córdoba, Argentina, Postgraduate Lecturer at the Metropolitan University of Education, Science, and Technology of Panama, and Full Professor at the Universidad de Guayaquil. Master's degrees in Robotics and Programming, Psychological Intervention, and Information Technology. Scholarship recipient in Russia, China, Israel, Argentina, and Costa Rica. Ranked 1st best student in the Bachelor's Degree in Web Design and Multimedia Applications at the Espol Universidad de Ecuador.

  • David Cabezas García, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Production Engineering Program, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Production Engineering Program, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador

    A 21-year-old student studying Production Engineering at the Universidad de Guayaquil, he is a committed, responsible, and proactive individual. He stands out for his leadership, high academic performance, and participation in research projects, contributing innovative ideas with a critical and ethical perspective.

  • Fabian Rosales Pintado, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Production Engineering Program, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Production Engineering Program, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador

    A student of Production Engineering at the Universidad de Guayaquil, he is an enthusiastic and persevering person. He stands out for his analytical skills, collaborative work, and consistency in his studies. He actively participates in academic activities and always strives to improve himself.

  • Jannette Granda Martínez, Faculty of Philosophy, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, Faculty of Philosophy, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador

    Master's degree in Basic Education, Bachelor's degree in Education Sciences, Professor at the Universidad de Guayaquil, and a university professor committed to academic excellence and the comprehensive education of her students. She stands out for her solid training, pedagogical vocation, and leadership in educational innovation projects. Her empathy, responsibility, and passion for teaching make her a leader within the academic community.

  • Azucena Ortega Pindo, Faculty of Philosophy, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador, Faculty of Philosophy, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador

    Master's degree in Higher Education and Bachelor's degree in Education Sciences, Professor at the Universidad de Guayaquil and Professor at the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, dedicated and enthusiastic, recognized for her ability to motivate and guide her students in the development of critical thinking. Her experience, creativity, and commitment to educational quality distinguish her as an innovative educator, always open to continuous learning and collaborative work in the university environment.

References

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Published

2025-07-21

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Educational Innovation and Adaptability in Engineering (july 2025)

Section

Research articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ricardo Vega Granda, David Cabezas García, Fabian Rosales Pintado, Jannette Granda Martínez, Azucena Ortega Pindo

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How to Cite

Estudio de caso sobre el impacto de las herramientas digitales en una empresa chocolatera: . (2025). EASI: Engineering and Applied Sciences in Industry, 4(1), 23-30. https://doi.org/10.53591/easi.v4i1.2062