A Study of Supply Chain Management System for Plu Kaow Processing in Than Thong Subdistrict, Phan District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

  The research aimed to: 1) study the supply chain of the processing of Plu Kaow, 2) analyze the activities throughout the supply chain and the processing environment of Plu Kaow, and 3) propose operational improvement recommendations for Plu Kaow processing to entrepreneurs. This qualitative research involved entrepreneurs and farmers engaged in the cultivation and processing of Plu Kaow in Than Thong Subdistrict, Phan District, Chiang rai Province, totaling 15 participants. The data were collected during the period from June 2023 to March 2024. The data collection tools used were semi-structured interviews, and mixed questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted through content analysis of the supply chain, logistics activities, and the overall environment. The findings are as follows: 1) The supply chain operations of the entrepreneurs consist of 9 steps. 2) The analysis of the activities throughout the supply chain identified 10 logistics activities: 1) customer service, 2) order processing, 3) demand forecasting, 4) inventory management, 5) transportation, 6) warehouse management, 7) procurement, 8) material handling, 9) packaging, and 10) logistics communication. Each activity has strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and obstacles that affect overall operations. 3) In proposing guidelines for operations, the researcher suggested improvements in the knowledge management system and the use of technology to support processing. After analyzing the improvements based on the recommendations, the results showed an increase in average scores from 2.08 before improvements to 3.75 after improvements, reflecting a 62.98% increase in efficiency and capability of the operations.