of goods from producer to consumer, reverse logistics manages the processes for inverting that flow to deal with returned parts, materials and products from the consumer back to the producer. Most often, this includes warranty recovery, value recovery, repair, redistribution, product recalls, used parts and replacement materials for refurbishment, service or product contract returns, and end-of-life recycling.

With the purpose of optimizing supply chain efficiency and asset recovery rates, reverse logistics process management has increasingly become a tool that positively impacts profitability as well as assisting an organization in meeting sustainability goals. With the growth of sustainability initiatives, more companies have adopted the use of recycled materials in production and have developed procedures for the responsible disposal of products that cannot be recycled or reused. For instance, a growing number of cell phone manufacturers have established procedures in place for consumers who wish to return an older model and ensure that the device is refurbished or recycled rather than dumped into the local landfill.

Thus, reverse logistics process management has developed into a discipline that produces cost reductions, adds efficiencies and improves the consumer experience. Producers have discovered value within returned assets and the benefits of streamlining repair, return and product reallocation processes.

9 Benefits of Reverse Logistics Process Management for Asset Recovery With the advent of sophisticated management systems, organizations have discovered the logic of prioritizing reverse logistics process management, which has led to the development of advanced technology that supports the process. Much of this development derived from the electronics, automotive aftermarket sector, and remanufacturing, in which product lifecycles are significantly shorter, global service networks are increasingly intricate, sustainability processes are mandated and consumer customization is becoming the norm.

However, for many organizations, the returns management process has remained a cost center with low visibility that contains products to be restocked, repaired, recycled, repackaged or disposed of appropriately. Conventional logistics service providers had very few alternatives for reversing the channel; however, as the technology has progressed, companies using robust, proficient reverse logistics process management have benefited from:

• Reduced administrative, transportation and aftermarket support costs. • Increased velocity. • Increased service market share. • Higher achievement of sustainability goals. • Greater customer service and higher retention levels.

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With the right technology in place for reverse logistics process management beyond simply having a reverse logistics process in place, shippers gain more efficient benefits to include:

• Improved reverse supply chain visibility, increased productivity, and greater responsiveness to customers. • A synchronized supply chain to now include forward traditional logistics, inbound logistics, and reverse logistics. • Transparency in supply chain operations across your network. • Automatic consolidation of data from partners and systems.

BONUS: Register for the “The Big Benefits of Using Technology to Effectively Manage Transportation Reverse Logistics” Webinar!

Advantages of Partnering with 3PL for Reverse Logistics Process Management

Organizations that partner with a sophisticated third-party logistics service provider (3PL) benefit from greater controls over the entire supply chain resulting in improved inventory management, increased visibility, reduced costs and enhanced risk management. Specifically, the benefits of utilizing the expertise of a 3PL for reverse logistics process management produces greater controls over inspecting, recovering, testing and disposing of returned products.

The nature of reverse logistics process management includes higher uncertainty and threats than forward logistics. Companies find it difficult to predict which products may have higher than normal fail or return rates. In addition, products may come back in unrecoverable conditions. The complexity of the reverse system grows as manufacturers may have specific procedures for literally thousands of unique SKUs.

Thus, a comprehensive solution from a 3PL for reverse logistics process management, which includes a holistic approach to all logistics procedures, offers a wide array of technical, operational and strategic capabilities such as:

• Scalability and flexibility. • Deep industry and regional knowledge and expertise. • Transparency into the entire product life-cycle. • Distribution and refurbishment center management. • Data integration and web-based technology.

Moreover, a 3PL’s integrated approach to logistics services includes proactive account management. The delivery of consistency, predictability and transparency throughout the reverse supply chain through a combination of skilled talent, innovation, technology and a solutions-oriented methodology, will fast track customer satisfaction and profitability goals.

Increasingly, effectively managing reverse logistics process management brings about cost savings and greater asset recovery rates realized through the use of a robust logistics network. In today’s environment, maintaining the competitive edge includes partnering with a trusted 3PL to navigate the product life cycle from production to disposition. If you are looking at establishing a better reverse logistics process, inquire about Cerasis’ Reverse Logistics Process Management system.

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Adam Robinson
Adam Robinson oversees the overall marketing strategy for Cerasis including website development, social media and content marketing, trade show marketing, email campaigns, and webinar marketing. Mr. Robinson works with the business development department to create messaging that attracts the right decision makers, gaining inbound leads and increasing brand awareness all while shortening sales cycles, the time it takes to gain sales appointments and set proper sales and execution expectations.