Optimization of White Bread Distribution at Sejahtera Bread Factory in Kebun Jeruk District Using the Transportation Method

This study aims to optimize the distribution of white bread products from Sejahtera Bread Factory in Kebun Jeruk District by applying the transportation method within the framework of linear programming. Utilizing data on factory capacity, distribution demand, and transportation costs, this research implements several optimization techniques, including the North West Corner (NWC), Least Cost, Vogel’s Approximation Method (VAM), and Stepping Stone method. The findings reveal that while the conventional distribution cost stands at IDR 420,500, the application of the Least Cost and VAM methods successfully reduces this to IDR 340,000, generating savings of IDR 80,500. Conversely, the NWC method results in an increased cost of IDR 450,000, and further optimization using the Stepping Stone method confirms the initial solution's optimality, maintaining the cost at IDR 340,000. These results demonstrate that the Least Cost method is the most effective strategy for minimizing distribution expenses. The study provides practical insights for small-scale bakery businesses to enhance operational efficiency and recommends further exploration of distribution strategies should new routes or market expansions occur in the future.