Application of Lean Logistics to Improve Stock Control in a Trading SME

Abstract

This research aimed to improve stock control in a pharmaceutical trading MYPE located in Trujillo (Peru) through the implementation of Lean Logistics tools during 2025. A quantitative approach with a preexperimental pretest–posttest design was employed. The initial diagnosis revealed critical shortcomings in the inventory system, including unreliable manual records, lack of standardized procedures, absence of Kardex control, warehouse disorganization, and a high incidence of stockouts and expired products. The pre–post comparison showed relevant operational improvements: inventory accuracy increased from 82.35% to 97%, stockouts decreased from 72.5% to 54%, expired products were reduced from 27.5% to 18%, and inventory turnover increased from 8.54 to 9.68 times per month. Inferential analysis using a one-sample t-test indicated significant differences for inventory accuracy (p = 0.0089) and stockouts (p = 0.0043), a marginal improvement for expired products (p = 0.052), and a non-significant change in inventory turnover (p = 0.513), suggesting more immediate impacts on operational control than on indicators dependent on commercial dynamics. The results show that Lean Logistics can strengthen stock control performance in pharmaceutical MYPEs with limited resources; however, extending the evaluation period is recommended to confirm the sustainability of the improvements.