Plan de mejora para la importación de accesorios europeos para sistemas de aluminio y vidrio en Alucristal Hernández Leiva Ltda.

Abstract

This document analyzes the construction of an improvement plan, with which recommendations addressed to Alucristal Hernández Leiva Ltda., to facilitate the successful implementation of a proposed pilot import plan; which suggests formalizing the responsible designation based on foreign trade management within the company's organizational structure. The absence of an internal process that centralizes import activities represents the main operational limitation for the sustained execution of the plan. Integrating this role into the organizational structure ensures operational continuity once it is launched and its implementation matures. The improvement plan advises initiating formal contact with European suppliers, leveraging the platforms and methodologies defined in the first objective. It is suggested to prioritize suppliers from Spain and Italy due to their greater export experience to Latin America and the compatibility of their regulatory systems with the requirements of the Colombian market, and to engage a trusted customs agent to accompany the process from its initial stages. Their advice will reduce the risks of document errors, delays in customs clearance, and unforeseen costs, especially during the initial import operations while the company gains experience in foreign trade. Adapt a cost simulator proposed in the second objective as a mandatory evaluation tool prior to any import decision, verifying that the expected profit margin justifies the investment before committing to any supplier or order, taking advantage of the tariff benefits of the Trade Agreement between Colombia and the European Union, ensuring that the products have the European origin certificate that allows them to access the preferences established in said agreement, which can represent a significant reduction in the total import cost. Systematically document all stages of the import process from the first order, recording contacts with suppliers, documents used, times, actual versus estimated costs, and lessons learned. This documentation will allow the creation of a basic procedures manual that facilitates the replication of the process in future operations and reduces operational errors as the company gains experience in foreign trade.