Improved planning of imported corn seeds demand of Hortus s.c (Peru) using a supply chain strategy assessment methodology

The imported seeds supply chains remain less studied than those of agricultural products. However, their efficiency is crucial since it impacts that of final products (fruits and vegetables, but also agroindustry products using them). This paper focuses on imported seeds demand planning, a starting point for supply and inventory management that Hortus needs. More precisely, the paper proposes a methodology to analyze supply chain strategies and assess them at the level of imported seeds demand planning. To develop the research, we started with CSAR methodoly (Perez-Franco R., 2016), followed by AHP methodology (Saaty, 1990), and finally with S&OP methodology as support tools (Demand Driven Institute, 2017) as well as the Forcast Pro. Software. After presenting the main background and motivation, we describe the proposed methodological framework, as well as the methods and tools used. Then, from the case of Hortus S.C., a leading seed distribution company in Peru, we analyze their seed supply chain and propose improvement strategies. Results show that new strategies can lead to important economies that make them viable. Finally, we present the methodology's generalization, research and practical issues.