An Examination of Reverse Logistics Practices

Abstract

There is a new focus on reverse logistics, as a growing number of articles in the trade press Theirry et al. 1995). While there is new interest in reverse logistics, little is known about the size and scope of reverse logistics activities: How much money is being spent on these activities? What activities are companies involved in and why? What is the best way to organize reverse logistics? Should centralized facilities be used? Additionally, most of the work on reverse logistics examined in preparation for this research emphasized "green" or environmental issues. In this paper, green issues are briefly discussed, but the primary focus is on economic and supply chain issues relating to reverse logistics. This paper defines reverse logistics and describes reverse logistics practices and barriers to implementing good reverse logistics practices. A portion of the research charter was to determine the extent of reverse logistics activity in the United States. The objective was to identify current practices, examine these practices, and develop information surrounding trends in reverse logistics practices.

Concepts and definitions for product recovery Analysis and clarification of the terminology used in academia and industry

“…[14] … the process of rebuilding a product. During this process the product is disassembled, defective components are replaced and the product is reassembled, tested and inspected to ensure it meets newly manufactured product standards [11].…”

“…… when a product is cleaned and repaired to return it to a 'like new' state [14] Component cannibalization is … … the process in which a limited number of components are extracted from a product for recovery [18]. … when parts or components are taken off of one item and used to repair or rebuild another unit of the same product.…”

“…… when parts or components are taken off of one item and used to repair or rebuild another unit of the same product. [14] Material recycling is … … the process by which materials otherwise destined for disposal are collected, processed, and remanufactured into new products. Composting is a form of recycling [19].…”

Diseño de una red de logística inversa: caso de estudio Usochicamocha - Boyacá

“…Varios autores han realizado sus investigaciones con el fin de lograr una definición de LI, [6] define LI como el papel de la logística en la devolución de productos, el reciclaje, la sustitución de materiales, reutilización de materiales, eliminación de residuos, así como la renovación, reparación y re fabricación. La definición más utilizada de LI es la propuesta por [7] en el Reverse Logistics Executive Council, la cual es definida como "El proceso de planificación, ejecución y control eficiente y rentable del flujo de materias primas, inventario en proceso, productos terminados e información relacionada desde el punto de consumo hasta el punto de…”

Reverse Logistics: Network Design Based on Life Cycle Assessment

“…Reverse logistics is of high importance for aluminum based products, since the production of virgin aluminum is highly energy consuming. RL operations and chains they support are significantly more complex than traditional manufacturing supply chains [6][7][8]. Therefore, and similarly to how companies develop efficient logistics processes for new goods, it is necessary to plan operations for returned goods, taking into consideration that the processes are most probably quite different from those defined for forward distribution [9].…”