Examining current reverse logistics trends Research Paper - 1

Examining current reverse logistics trends - Research Paper Example Based on these activities, reverse logistics can be divided based on whether the reverse flow encompasses product or packaging. A product could be in the reverse flow due to a number of reasons such as refurbishment, remanufacture or because the client returned it. Packaging is a reverse logistics activity because it flows back because of the regulations restrictions on product disposal. Both product and packaging may be reused or landfilled, but if they are to be utilized again, the two may experience a mixed bag of distinctive methodologies (Rogers, & Tibben†Lembke, 2001). Reverse logistics is of great importance to a company because of a number of reasons. First, it permits a trader to get items back from the buyer or send unsold stock once again to the manufacturer to be disassembled, sorted, reassembled or reused; minimizing general expenses for an association. Second, it enhances consumer loyalty and devotion by considering defective merchandise, and repairs of stock. Reverse logistics can incorporate seeking feedback from consumers to make upgrades and to enhance the comprehension of genuine purposes behind item returns. Thirdly, it may lead to gains in an organization. Expanding rate of production, diminishing expenses (transportation, managerial, repair and maintenance), holding clients by enhancing the quality of products are some of the gains an organization can accrue. The topic of examining the current trends of reverse logistics also incorporates some of the analysis methodologies that organizations apply today. A key methodology is the inventory control analysis that aims at ensuring that the supply chain of the company is optimized. Inventory control ensures that inventory management ensures random discount in pricing, minimum purchase requirements and random return (Alinovi, Bottani, & Montanari, 2012).