Introduction
Agricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in driving agricultural development and is considered one of the most capital-intensive inputs in the agricultural sector. Effective supply chain management is a crucial necessity for improving the quality of agricultural machinery and reducing operational expenses in agricultural mechanization. This is imperative for the advancement of agricultural mechanization. The present research aims to identify the primary structures of the supply chain for rice agricultural machinery in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran in Iran. The study also examined the important functional aspects of the chain members, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and farmers who serve as the ultimate consumers of the chain's products. Furthermore, the research delved into the processes that govern the supply chain.
Materials and Methods
Measuring supply chain performance involves utilizing the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) with five distinct dimensions: cost (12 questions), responsiveness (22 questions), flexibility (16 questions), assets (13 questions), and reliability (30 questions). The study data were analyzed using SPSS software. Additionally, latent variables were generated at each level of the hierarchy by using the variables from the aforementioned model. The normality of the variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The evaluation of normal variables was conducted through a one-sample t-test, while abnormal variables were evaluated with a one-sample Wilcoxon test. Furthermore, descriptive analysis of the expectations and constraints of manufacturers and importers regarding rice machines was carried out.
Results and Discussion
The Wilcoxon test results indicate the impact of commitment, cost management, and communication on the average test value. The variables of normal distribution such as human resource management, quality management, strategic organization, flexibility, responsiveness, performance, and reliability in stores, exhibit significant deviation from the mean value. The majority of store managers and agricultural rice machinery dealers lack formal education in the field of agricultural machinery. Including individuals with educational backgrounds in agricultural machinery at various stages of the supply chain will likely improve the dissemination of information throughout the chain. Employing dependable techniques for transmitting accurate information regarding consumers' quality requirements can assist suppliers in manufacturing or importing superior-quality machinery. This approach not only minimizes uncertainty in the supply chain and streamlines inventory management but also reduces the lead time for meeting consumer demands.
Conclusion
The continuous demand for rice agricultural machinery in Iran has resulted in the bullwhip effect phenomenon being perceived as a less significant challenge in the supply chain. Currently, local manufacturing enterprises have relatively limited knowledge regarding the market and technical needs of rice farmers compared to their foreign counterparts. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to broaden their comprehension of consumer behavior and needs by diversifying their market evaluation techniques.