A systems approach for forward and reverse logistics design

Abstract

Purpose-There is significant potential for adding value by involving customer in the design process and delivery of logistic services. In order to add value to the overall logistic system, this paper proposes applying an integrated systems approach for the design of forward and reverse logistics services in order to build a self-organising service that can maximise efficiencies and in particular reduce reverse logistics costs. Design/methodology/approach-Two exploratory case studies were conducted in the logistics systems of housing repair and maintenance sector in the UK. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observations, and documented evidence. Findings-The findings of the cross-case analysis suggests that systems approach expressed as the Vanguard Method (Seddon 2008) has a direct impact on enhancing forward logistics performance and reducing reverse product flows by nourishing three dimensions for learning from demand-driven analysis; capturing customer clean information, demand predictability and categorisation, and failure demand analysis.Research Limitations-Findings from exploratory case studies cannot be easily generalised. Hence, further case studies are needed to enrich the findings, and to facilitate their industrial applications. Further, the paper explores the utilisation of the Vanguard Method only in the area of housing repairs and maintenance logistics services. It would be valuable for future studies to further investigate the utilisation of the Vanguard Method in other logistics services settings. Originality/value-The paper demonstrates an important dynamics of how logistics services can incorporate customer demands into the logistics design process.

Learning from Returned Products in a Closed Loop Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review

“…However, the research shows that CLSC processes do contain information that can be used to improve products [65]. This information can be sourced from qualitative feedback on product design [63,64] or through systematic quantitative data collected during the return transaction. However, as a recent case study [65] illustrates, sometimes products are returned too late for firms in high speed industries to properly learn lessons from them.…”

“…Additionally, several case studies have illustrated the potential of qualitative returns information. This qualitative information, for instance, from interviews or short talks with the returning customer, can be disseminated inside a firm and used for various purposes, for instance, for new product development [64]. However, as noted by a recent case study [5], the cross-functional nature of product returns management requires good communication conditions and firm wide business practices.…”

Trends and New Challenges in the Green Supply Chain: The Reverse Logistics

“…There is a difference in the data-collection needs of RL and those of a forward distribution operation, which are identified too [89]. On the other hand, RL is considered as "much more reactive, with much less visibility" [90].…”

Combining or separating forward and reverse logistics

“…The subject of forward and reverse logistics has been studied before through the lens of case study research (e.g. Jaaron and Backhouse, 2016).…”

“…Forward logistics, on the other hand, can be standardized to a higher degree and dwells on higher certainty regarding both input condition of the goods and processes. Making the right decision in the configuration of forward and reverse logistics can create substantial value and impacts the firm's bottom-line (Genchev et al, 2011;Jaaron & Backhouse, 2016;John et al, 2017).…”