Digitalization to Improve Efficiency and Traceability in Personal Protective Equipment Warehouses
Journal
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Smart Trends in Computing and Communications
ISSN
23673370
Date Issued
2026
Type
text::conference output::conference proceedings::conference paper
Abstract
Efficient management of industrial warehouses remains a recurring challenge in sectors that rely on strict control of critical supplies, such as personal protective equipment, where manual processes continue to limit inventory accuracy, traceability, and operational responsiveness. In this context, digitalization emerges as a key mechanism for optimizing logistics flows and reducing risks associated with errors in materials management. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing information technologies on the efficiency and traceability of a personal protective equipment warehouse, identifying the operational benefits derived from the automation of recording, control, and tracking processes. A descriptive mixed-methods design was developed, combining direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis with quantitative measurements taken before and after the technological intervention. The strategy included the incorporation of inventory software, electronic code readers, and digitalized protocols for receiving, dispatching, and replenishment. The primary outcome measure was inventory accuracy, while secondary criteria included traceability, internal request response time, and the reduction of human errors in material registration. Digitalization significantly increased inventory accuracy, showing substantial improvements in the correspondence between physical stock and recorded stock. In addition, traceability demonstrated notable progress by enabling real-time identification of the location and status of supplies, while dispatch and replenishment times were considerably reduced due to the automation of search and verification procedures. Errors associated with duplicated or incomplete records decreased noticeably following digital standardization. In conclusion, the integration of information technologies proved to be an effective tool for improving logistics efficiency and strengthening operational control in personal protective equipment warehouses, confirming the relevance of its adoption in industrial environments seeking to optimize resources, minimize risks, and move toward sustainable management models. These results open the door for future research aimed at analyzing staff satisfaction, budgetary performance, and the scalability of these solutions in larger and more complex organizations. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.