A automatização do processo de qualificação de fornecedores de matéria-prima: estudo de caso em uma multinacional especializada em massas, biscoitos e farinhas

Abstract

The complexity and management of large volumes of data in the supplier qualification process pose a challenge for the food industry, especially for companies with multiple manufacturing units and an extensive supplier base. In these organizations, millions of documents and data must be managed, requiring traceability, constant updates, and efficient integration across different company areas. A potential solution for this scenario is process automation through the use of digital platforms. Given this context, this study aimed to analyze the implementation of a digital platform to automate the raw material supplier qualification process in a multinational company specializing in pasta, biscuits, and flour, located in Eusébio-CE, with the objective of evaluating the impacts of this automation on process efficiency by comparing the digital workflow with the previous manual model. The research was conducted through a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive case study, monitoring the workflow transition over two and a half years. The results demonstrated significant improvements, such as a reduction in the average supplier qualification time from 13 to 6 months, representing a decrease of approximately 46.15%. Additionally, there was a 38.63% increase in the number of open processes, rising from 88 in 2023 to 122 in 2024. The supplier approval rate also increased from 36.36% to 51.04%. Another identified benefit was the optimization of communication between suppliers and the company's evaluation areas, making the process more efficient and reducing the need for manual intermediation. The study results also provided insights into the challenges and improvements experienced by this organization, concluding that automating the supplier qualification process through a digital system can be a strategic tool for quality management and the supply chain, improving team performance through time optimization, as well as enabling more effective and direct communication between suppliers and evaluation areas, and ensuring greater control, efficiency, and reliability in processes. Despite the advancements, challenges still persist, such as the need for a functionality that enhances the visualization of pending tasks within the platform.