The Importance of Effective Inventory Control

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 113 views

Introduction

The food system is a complex entity that integrates every stage of food production from upstream to downstream. In Indonesia, rice is a staple food for the majority of the population. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2020, national rice consumption reached 31.63 million tons. In North Sumatra Province, rice consumption reached 1.9 million tons, with Medan as the city with the largest population, which is 2,210,624 people, or 15.86% of the total population of the province. In this context, Perum Bulog as a state-owned public company engaged in the field of food logistics, plays an important role in distributing rice.

The Importance of Effective Inventory Control

However, the North Sumatra Bulog Sub Divre Sub Divre faces serious challenges related to the incompatibility of the amount of rice supplied by the Cold Storage Facility (CSF) to the Distribution Center (DC). Often, the amount of rice supplied is not appropriate, causing a buildup of rice in the warehouse which in turn can harm the company, both in terms of decreased rice quality and increased storage costs. This phenomenon shows the importance of effective inventory control in supporting rice distribution.

The Role of Dynamic System Approach in Rice Inventory Control

The distribution of rice not only has an impact on economic aspects, but also has significant social and political implications. Therefore, this study uses a dynamic system approach (SD) to model and analyze the rice distribution system. This approach allows analysis of interrelated and dynamic elements, which cannot be explained only by simple mathematical calculations. For this purpose, researchers use anylogic software to simulate the rice distribution process in the CSF Mabar warehouse.

Simulation Results and Analysis

Through simulation, a mape value (mean absolute percentage error) is found that reflects deviations between the simulation model and real data. The results show that the deviation reached 43% for Movenas, 38% for Movelocreg, and 39% for demand from Jemadi DC and Mustafa DC. Mape values in the "quite accurate" category (20-50%) show that this simulation model is acceptable and provides relevant images about the rice distribution system.

Experimental Simulation and Results

In order to overcome the problem of rice buildup, an experimental simulation is carried out by reducing the amount of rice procurement. Reduction is carried out on the distribution of Movelocreg and Movenas at 30% and 50% respectively. The experimental results show that the reduction in the movelocreg distribution by 30% of the normal amount is the most effective step to reduce the accumulation of rice in the CSF warehouse.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Thus, control of rice inventory through a dynamic system approach in the North Sumatra Divre Bulog Perum is important to improve the efficiency of distribution and maintain the quality of rice. This research not only provides insight into the dynamics of rice distribution, but also provides valuable recommendations for food logistics management in Indonesia, especially in facing complex challenges in the food sector. The implementation of this recommendation is expected to improve the performance of Bulog, as well as support national food security.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research in the field of rice inventory control and dynamic system approach. Future studies can explore the application of this approach in other food logistics systems, as well as the development of more sophisticated simulation models to improve the accuracy of predictions.

Limitations and Challenges

This study has several limitations and challenges. Firstly, the data used in this study is limited to the North Sumatra Divre Bulog Perum, and may not be representative of other regions in Indonesia. Secondly, the simulation model used in this study is based on a simplified assumption, and may not capture the complexity of the real-world system. Finally, the implementation of the recommendations provided in this study may face challenges in terms of resources and infrastructure.

Conclusion

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to develop a dynamic system approach to model and analyze the rice distribution system in North Sumatra Divre Bulog Perum, with the aim of improving the efficiency of distribution and maintaining the quality of rice.

Q: What is the significance of effective inventory control in rice distribution?

A: Effective inventory control is crucial in rice distribution as it can prevent the buildup of rice in warehouses, which can lead to decreased rice quality and increased storage costs. It also ensures that the right amount of rice is supplied to the distribution centers, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking.

Q: What is a dynamic system approach, and how is it used in this study?

A: A dynamic system approach is a method of analyzing complex systems that involve interrelated and dynamic elements. In this study, the dynamic system approach is used to model and analyze the rice distribution system in North Sumatra Divre Bulog Perum, using anylogic software to simulate the rice distribution process.

Q: What are the benefits of using a dynamic system approach in rice inventory control?

A: The benefits of using a dynamic system approach in rice inventory control include improved accuracy of predictions, better understanding of the complex dynamics of the system, and more effective decision-making.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the use of simplified assumptions in the simulation model, the limited data used in the study, and the potential challenges in implementing the recommendations provided in the study.

Q: What are the future research directions in this field?

A: Future research directions in this field include exploring the application of the dynamic system approach in other food logistics systems, developing more sophisticated simulation models to improve the accuracy of predictions, and investigating the impact of other factors on rice inventory control.

Q: What are the recommendations for food logistics management in Indonesia?

A: The recommendations for food logistics management in Indonesia include implementing effective inventory control systems, using dynamic system approaches to model and analyze complex systems, and investing in resources and infrastructure to support the implementation of these recommendations.

Q: How can the results of this study be applied in practice?

A: The results of this study can be applied in practice by implementing the recommendations provided in the study, such as reducing the amount of rice procurement, improving the accuracy of predictions, and investing in resources and infrastructure to support the implementation of these recommendations.

Q: What are the implications of this study for national food security?

A: The implications of this study for national food security include the potential to improve the efficiency of distribution and maintain the quality of rice, which can contribute to national food security by ensuring that the right amount of rice is supplied to the distribution centers, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking.