Development of a low-code application for the traceability and management of internal supply distribution at a high-level hospital

Abstract

Hospital logistics plays a fundamental role in ensuring operational continuity, resource availability, and service quality. However, many healthcare institutions still depend on paper-based procedures for managing internal supply distribution, limiting operational traceability and real-time decision-making. This study presents the design and implementation of a low-code application to improve the management and traceability of the internal supply distribution process at Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, a high-complexity healthcare institution in Medellín, Colombia. A mixedmethod case study was conducted using operational data extracted from the institutional ERP system, direct observation of logistics activities, literature review, and application development using the AppSheet platform. The diagnostic stage identified 575 internal orders processed during the study period, representing approximately 325.42 labor hours per month, while revealing significant dependence on physical documentation and limited operational monitoring. Based on these findings, a digital solution was developed to support real-time order tracking, automated event recording, operational status monitoring, and logistics performance indicators. The proposed application strengthens operational traceability, improves information availability, reduces manual documentation, and supports data-driven decision-making. The results demonstrate that low-code technologies constitute a practical alternative for accelerating Healthcare 4.0 initiatives in hospital supply chain management.