An Approach for Improving Orchid Supply Chain Management in Samut Sakhon Province

Abstract

            The objectives of this research are as follows: (1) to look into the issues and impediments that arise in the supply chain management process of orchids in Samut Sakhon province, and (2) to provide recommendations for enhancing the supply chain management of orchids in Samut Sakhon province.This study employed in-depth interviews to collect data from 10 key informants who are stakeholders in the orchid supply chain from upstream to downstream. These key informants were selected using purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection tool. The Supply Chain Operations Reference Model (SCOR Model) was used to analyze five aspects of the supply chain processes. The analysis revealed different problems at each level: upstream suppliers faced planning issues, lacked current market information, and experienced high raw material costs; midstream operators encountered market uncertainties, insufficient continuous government support, inconsistent raw material quality, and risks from natural disasters and disease outbreaks; while downstream businesses suffered from inefficient order management systems, budget constraints, and damage during transportation.The approaches to improve upstream, midstream, and downstream activities include: (1) Upstream activities should focus on collaborative planning with farmers, inventory management using the FIFO system, reducing import taxes on machinery and chemicals, personnel development, and packaging improvement; (2) Midstream activities should aim to create information networks, form farmer groups, develop knowledge on fertilizer and chemical usage, improve varieties, and establish distribution channels, both through investing in transportation systems and using outsourced services; and (3) Downstream activities should emphasize the use of databases for sales analysis, personnel management development, building strategic partnerships, developing cold storage systems, preventing contamination, tracking delivery status, and analyzing return causes to improve product quality. Furthermore, this research may help strengthen collaboration among various sectors to enhance the efficiency of the orchid cultivation business.