Operations Management and Industrial Scalability in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Industrial scalability in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is a strategic imperative for sustainability and competitiveness in the contemporary market. This article presents a systematic literature review with the objective of identifying and analyzing the main strategies for scaling manufacturing operations in SMEs. The research covers operations management, case studies on productive capacity expansion, and the proposition of sustainable scalability frameworks. The results indicate that the adoption of technologies such as cloud-based Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solutions is crucial for optimizing processes and ensuring flexibility. Furthermore, successful expansion requires structured planning that considers processes, people, incremental innovation, and a robust commercial strategy. Based on the analysis, a sustainable scalability framework is proposed that integrates these pillars, providing a practical guide for SMEs seeking controlled and effective growth. The discussion highlights the importance of data-driven decisions and an organizational culture that promotes efficiency and team well-being. Future research is encouraged to empirically validate the proposed framework in diverse industrial contexts.