La gestión del inventario como herramienta para mejorar la rentabilidad de la empresa ferretería Espinoza de la ciudad de Machala, periodo 2023.

Abstract

Inventory management is a key component in business administration, playing a fundamental role in the efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness of entities. In the commercial sector, inventories represent the most significant resource as they constitute the origin of sales and the main source of income. Therefore, effective inventory management not only facilitates better organization and distribution but also ensures the adequate supply of products, which is vital for management concerned with protecting these resources through an optimal management system. The absence of clear policies and procedures for inventory control hinders smooth management, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation from purchase to sale. In the specific case of Ferretería Espinoza, an inefficient inventory management system could lead to errors in the valuation and presentation of inventories, thus affecting financial decision-making and the profitability of the entity. The objective of the study is to evaluate the inventory management of Ferretería Espinoza according to the provisions established in the IFRS for SMEs Section 13, in order to improve the company's profitability and overcome the challenges associated with inadequate inventory management. The research was conducted using a deductive approach, with a descriptive methodology to collect data through surveys, interviews, and document analysis. The interviews were conducted with the company's manager and accountant, and an interview guide with open-ended questions was designed to obtain detailed information on inventory control processes and the application of IFRS for SMEs Section 13. Ferretería Espinoza recognizes assets as inventory when they are intended for sale and ensures that all related documentation is correctly recorded, applyingIFRS for SMEs Section 13 by recording the lower of cost and net realizable value; however, the lack of written policies for inventory management poses a potential risk for the company. The company shows a high dependency on its inventory, which represents nearly 80% of its total assets, reflected in the entirety of its income derived from the sale of these inventories; additionally, the value of the inventories exceeds liabilities by 139.89%, indicating that debts are backed by the available inventory, potentially leading to liquidity problems, as there are no other sources of income. The study concludes that, although Ferretería Espinoza follows the general guidelines established by IFRS for SMEs Section 13, the absence of written policies for inventory management could compromise the effectiveness and consistency of inventory management in the long term. It is essential for the company to implement formal and documented policies that guide inventory management, thereby ensuring better decisionmaking and optimizing profitability.