Improving Supply Chain Efficiency through Forecasting and Digital Inventory Management : A Case Study of Sunlight Bakery

Abstract

The operational activities and supply chain problems of a bakery business, “Sunlight Bakery,” located in Pakistan, that sells cakes, pastries, breads, cookies, and customized bakery products to individual and commercial customers were explored in this project. The study revealed that several key challenges exist: variation of demand, complexity of customized orders, inventory management problems, limited storage space, and manual operational processes. The external factors, such as fluctuations in raw material prices, seasonal fluctuations in demand, growing competition in the market, and power outages, and internal factors such as the limited use of technology, non-automated inventory systems, and limited production space, all further compound the problems. The study suggested practical and cost-effective solutions such as improved demand forecasting methods and digital order and inventory management systems. The recommendations are intended to increase operational efficiency, reduce waste, enhance supply chain performance, and improve customer satisfaction. The findings of this research may be useful for small and medium-sized bakery businesses in Pakistan.