Abstract for: Hybrid Simulation for Scenario Planning in the Management of USACA Craft Brewery

Craft beer in Colombia is experiencing strategic growth, driven by the demand for natural products. USACA Brewery, a spin-off from Santiago de Cali University, aims to double its market share but faces capacity limitations and production bottlenecks compared to dominant competitors. Using simulation software like Vensim and Arena, this research proposes optimizing brewing and fermentation processes to expand installed capacity. This work focuses on decision-making under uncertainty for an academic spin-off. It goes beyond a superficial analysis, combining two approaches: a Methodological Approach (Hybrid Simulation) and continuous and discrete modeling. This allows for a dynamic view of the business while simultaneously examining operational details (bottlenecks and queues) to validate improvements before their physical implementation. 469 / 5.000 It was determined that the transition from a push to a pull model, along with the installation of a new cooking system and the individualization of tanks, optimizes productivity. The concurrent application of capacity and inventory policies, validated through hybrid models, allows for a doubling of production. These improvements eliminate bottlenecks, ensuring that installed capacity responds effectively to increased demand without raising operating costs. The success of Cervecería USACA as a spin-off lies in integrating interdisciplinary research with advanced simulation (Vensim and Arena). Unlike isolated approaches, this study demonstrates that process synchronization is vital for competing in a market dominated by large companies. The evidence suggests that the application of concurrent operational policies for processes, capacity, and inventory are strategic pillars for scaling production under conditions of uncertainty.