LEAN AND AGILE PROCUREMENT STRATEGIES IN THE FLORAL INDUSTRY

Abstract

Lean and agile concepts originated in the manufacturing area, and in this graduate project are adapted and applied to the procurement task of a flower shop in Bangkok.  The fluctuating amount of flowers causes two adverse situations: sometimes there are not enough flowers available for customers, and sometimes flowers remain unsold.  This double problem leads to the question “How many flowers should be purchased in each period of time?”  The quantitative data of purchased, sold, and unsold flowers was collected for one year.  Other related data was obtained through observations, interviews, and documentary reviews.  The answer to the project question was obtained by using a forecasting method which applied lean and agile concepts.