Despite the Colombian government's efforts to promote non-traditional exports, the effects of the measures have not yet result in significant increase. Additionally, the access of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) -which are predominant in the country -to international markets currently not significant. Previous studies suggest that there is a direct relationship between the degree of innovation and the degree of internationalization of organizations. In this scenario, this article aims to analyze this relationship based on a field study carried out in 224 small and medium-sized manufacturing companies located in the Atlantic region, in Colombia. The results show that the structuring and participation in research and development programs, access to information technology and the existence of standardized processes and products in the organization are elements that potentially increase competitiveness and contributes to access international markets. Therefore, the adoption of SME export promotion policies that focus on stimulating innovation can contribute to the growth of exports of non-traditional products by organizations of this size.

Investigadora del grupo gestión organizacional, integrante del programa de comercio y negocios internacionales; perteneciente a la facultad de administración y negocios; universidad Simón Bolívar sede Barranquilla.

In the value chain it is important to keep in mind the core business of the company, since it depends largely on the competitiveness of the company and its overall performance, bearing in mind that all business indicators depend on it. In this work we will study the washing process within the company WASH CONTAINERS SA DE CV, to improve the washing processes and in this way reduce times and movements in the process leading the company to reduce costs considerably within the operations company daily, having a more competitive operation and with greater profit margin in its business process. Goals: It Improve the logistics of the movement of containers for washing and with it the core business of the company. Methodology: The action research will be applied applying Business Process Management for the improvement of processes in situ, it will be developed in a certain period of time and with that it will establish an improvement projection. Contribution: The improvement of the times for the disposal of the containers and their subsequent use, allows a better competitiveness and with it the income of the company, on the other hand, the transport companies improve in performance in quantity, quality of disposition and with it their income.