DEMOCRATIZING JUST-IN-TIME
AGILE SUPPLY CHAIN AUTOMATION FOR SMES WITH LOW-CODE PLATFORMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26853/Refas_ISSN-2359-182X_v12n03_05Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises face structural constraints that hinder digitalization, system integration, and operational coordination. The literature shows that fragmented data, low digital maturity, limited resources, and the absence of governance reduce predictability and increase variability, compromising rapid responses. Based on this evidence, this article aims to propose and structure an agile automation model for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), combining low-code platforms, integration through Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), adaptive digital governance mechanisms, and the evolution of digital maturity, with the purpose of reducing operational variability and aligning organizational processes with the logic of Just-in-Time. The literature analyzed indicates that accessible digital solutions enable the reduction of informational delays, the elimination of system incompatibilities, and the expansion of standardization, creating conditions for more stable flows. Digital governance strengthens coherence and reduces risks, while maturity guides the pace of adoption. The integrated analysis shows that this combination enables more predictable operations aligned with the logic of continuous synchronization, configuring a viable and structurally consistent path for SMEs to advance in digitalization and bring their processes closer to Just-in-Time principles.
Downloads
References
CAI, First Z. et al. A case study: Digitalization of business processes of SMEs with low-code method. IFAC-PapersOnLine, v. 55, n. 10, p. 1840-1845, 2022.
CHONSAWAT, Nilubon; SOPADANG, Apichat. Defining SMEs’ Industry 4.0 readiness indicators. 2020.
FLÓREZ-CÁCERES, Rocio Mercedes et al. Improving productivity in an SME in the metalworking sector. 2024.
GHERGHEA, Ion Cosmin; BUNGAU, Constantin; NEGRAU, Mauriciu. Lead time reduction and increasing productivity by implementing CNC technologies. 2019.
GILCHRIST, Alasdair. Industry 4.0: The Industrial Internet of Things. Apress, 2016.
HOPP, J. Wallace; SPEARMAN, L. Mark. To pull or not to pull: what is the question? Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 2004.
HUSSEIN, Mohamed; ZAYED, Tarek. Critical factors for successful implementation of Just-in-Time. 2021.
HYRYNSALMI, Sonja M. Definition of the enterprise integration platforms as a service. 2020.
KLJAJIĆ BORŠTNAR, Mirjana; PUCIHAR, Andreja. Multi-attribute assessment of digital maturity of SMEs. 2021.
KUMAR, Ravinder; DUTTA, Gautam; PHANDEN, Rakesh Kumar. Digitalization adoption barriers in manufacturing SMEs. 2022.
LEVSTEK, Aleš et al. Towards an adaptive strategic IT governance model for SMEs. 2021.
MAHOHOMA, Tinaye. Assessing the impact of corporate governance principles on small and medium enterprises. 2020.
MISHRIF, Ashraf; KHAN, Asharul. Technology adoption as a survival strategy for small and medium enterprises. 2023.
NORTH, Klaus et al. Promoting digitally enabled growth in SMEs: a framework proposal. 2018.
RAMÍREZ MARTÍNEZ, Lucía et al. Navigating the new normal: digital proximity and JIT in small businesses. 2025.
REYES, John; MULA, Josefa; DÍAZ-MADROÑERO, Manuel. Quantitative insights into the integrated JIT–MRP planning environment. 2024.
ROKIS, Karlis; KIRIKOVA, Marite. Exploring low-code development: a comprehensive review. 2024.
RUPEIKA-APOGA, Ramona et al. Digital transformation of small and medium enterprises. 2020.
SÁ, Daniel et al. Low-code approach for business analytics. 2023.
ŠKORIĆ, Tanja. Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 and its impact on SME business. 2021.
SOLA-MORALES, Oriol et al. Data governance for real-world data management. 2022.
STENTOFT, Jan et al. Drivers and barriers for Industry 4.0 readiness and practice: empirical evidence. 2018.
TAKAWIRA, Blessing; POOE, David. SME readiness for Industry 5.0: a systematic literature review. 2024.
TECHANAMURTHY, Umawathy; IQBAL, Muhammad Saqib; ABDUL RAHIM, Zulhasni. Digital readiness of manufacturing SMEs: assessment and challenges. 2025.
UTOMO, Diana et al. Leveraging COBIT 2019 to implement IT governance in SME context. 2022.
VILJOEN, Altus et al. Governing citizen development to address low-code platform challenges. 2023.
WEILL, Peter; ROSS, Jeanne W. IT Governance on One Page: A Simple Approach to Effective Governance. MIT Sloan School of Management, 2004.
WOMACK, James P.; JONES, Daniel T. Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation. 2. ed. New York: Free Press, 2003.
YIN, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. 6. ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, 2018.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Refas - Revista Fatec Zona Sul

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
1 - As fontes dos dados, as autorizações pertinentes e os textos publicados na revista são de inteira responsabilidade de seus autores.
2 - É permitida a reprodução, desde que citada a fonte e o autor.
3 - Após o artigo aprovado, o autor principal deverá enviar declaração, conforme o modelo:
Refas - Revista Fatec Zona Sul
Autorização par publicação
(Nome do autor), (no caso de vários autores citar todos), autorizo (ou autorizam, no caso de diversos autores) a publicação do artigo (nome do artigo), com exclusividade para a primeira publicação pela Revista Fatec Zona Sul, em meio eletrônico.
A contribuição é original e inédita, e não está sendo avaliada para publicação por outra revista; caso contrário, deve-se justificar em "Comentários ao editor".
Dados de todos os autores:
Nome completo:
Instituição:
E-mail:
Telefone:
Obs.: Informar os códigos dos serviços DDD e DDI.
Assinatura do autor principal: ____________________________________
Aviso de Direito Autoral
Autores que publicam nesta revista concordam com os seguintes termos:
a) Autores têm autorização para assumir contratos adicionais separadamente, para distribuição não-exclusiva da versão do trabalho publicada nesta revista (ex.: publicar em repositório institucional ou como capítulo de livro), com reconhecimento de autoria e publicação inicial nesta revista.
b) Autores têm permissão e são estimulados a publicar e distribuir seu trabalho online (ex.: em repositórios institucionais ou na sua página pessoal) a qualquer ponto antes ou durante o processo editorial, já que isso pode gerar alterações produtivas, bem como aumentar o impacto e a citação do trabalho publicado.
c)Autores mantém os direitos autorais e concedem à revista o direito de primeira publicação, com o trabalho simultaneamente licenciado sob a Licença Creative Commons CC Attribution 4.0, acessável em Licença Creative Commons Attribution, que permite o compartilhamento do trabalho com reconhecimento da autoria e publicação inicial nesta revista.