Reverse Logistics for Hassle-free Supply Chain management
Decline in revenues for an organization on the growth path may be the result of any damage or theft. However, for identifying the root cause of the issues, there are no better sources other than the organization’s own customers, prospects and “lost” customers. The supply chain being the vital component for managing cash flows and cost savings, lack of inventory planning, ineffective techniques and inefficient supply chain processes will have a major effect on the company’s profitability.
The world-class supply chain solutions from leading supply chain consulting service providers help client organization face the challenges put forth by all other parameters including human parameters, handle infrastructure and logistics operations and allow organizations to focus on core business issues.
Evaluating a company’s supply chain to understand it’s strengths and weaknesses these service providers works out successful supply chain management solutions which will help them optimize their operational environment with customized solutions for their business needs. These include fulfillment solutions, systems integration, forward logistics as well as reverse logistics.
However , to understand the term reverse logistics, it is first necessary to understand the term Logistics. As defined by the Council of Logistics management, Logistics is defined as “ The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements”. Reverse Logistics on the other hand refers to the flow from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or for disposal.”
Re-manufacturing and refurbishing activities being included in the definition of reverse logistics, is more than reusing containers and recycling packaging materials. Redesigning packaging to use less material, or reducing the energy and pollution from transportation are important activities, but they might be placed in the realm of “green” logistics. Reverse logistics also includes processing returned merchandise due to damage, seasonal inventory, restock, salvage, recalls, and excess inventory. It also includes recycling programs, hazardous material programs, obsolete equipment disposition, and asset recovery.
The leading service providers offer their clientele integrated reverse logistics management system which effectively refurbishes a vast array of products in minimal time and gets them back into the field tested and up to standards. The services include RMA support, warranty returns, Lease returns, test and debugging, repackaging, fulfillment, disposal and web based inquiry and reporting thus saving the organizations time, money and effective management of unused assets.