Reverse logistics

Goods do not only move from the producer via distributors und retail to the end consumer, in many cases they are sent backwards again. Reverse logistics (RL) deals with the process of removing new or used goods from their typical final destination in the supply chain (e.g. returns from consumers, overstocked inventory or outdated merchandise) for the purpose of capturing value or proper disposal.

According to the Reverse Logistics Executive Council, remanufacturing and refurbishing activities are also a part of reverse logistics activities. The tasks go beyond reusing containers and recycling packaging materials. It is about optimising the reverse logistic chain back to the producer or dealer.

The returns management (RM) deals with returns, reverse logistics, gatekeeping and avoidance. Enterprises can streamline the process of reverse logistics and returns management through the use of data processing.

Seminar paper