Distribution of Facilities with a Focus on Industry 5.0: Case Study in Agro-Industries in the Ecuadorian Andes

In the context of a constantly evolving agribusiness, the distribution of facilities faces great challenges due to inefficient strategies and obsolete methods, negatively affecting the productivity and profitability of the sector. This article explores optimization strategies in the distribution of facilities in the agro-industrial sector, integrating the sustainability and resilience approaches of Industry 5.0. The study uses the ABC method to classify the most demanded products, based on sales history, making a demand forecast using the statistical time series analysis tool of the Minitab software. A diagnosis of the current facilities was carried out, finding areas for improvement such as the inefficient distribution of departments and placement of machinery. Based on the SLP method that allows a systematic and efficient distribution, a modern design for the production plant was proposed, including a relationship diagram and layout, which is modeled and simulated using the Flexsim software. The results indicate that by implementing demand forecasts through software, waste is reduced by not having overproduction, while systematic distribution planning together with modeling and simulation of the proposed design allows more precise planning and efficient operations, enabling quick adjustments and maintaining competitiveness in the market. This resulted in an 86% increase in the company’s resilience compared to its initial situation. This work provides a valuable framework to improve the distribution of facilities in agribusiness, aligned with the trends and demands of Industry 5.0.