A Conceptual Model of Smart Supply Chain for Managing Rice Industry

Abstract

This research proposes a conceptual model of a smart supply chain for the rice industry. While the smart supply chain concept has started to establish in the manufacturing sector, its development and application in the agricultural sector are lacking. This research employs Soft System Methodology combined with the Value Co-Creation approach to guide focus group discussion and elicit root problems and ideas from real actors in Indramayu District. The proposed conceptual model takes into account actors starting from the upstream to the downstream of the rice supply chain. Since it is developed based on real situations, it is highly relevant for supporting the local policymakers to address problems, such as lack of integration, unclear division of role, and lack of competitiveness within this supply chain. Applications beyond this case study might be beneficial for maintaining national food security.