Manage Product Returns with Reverse Logistics Management Tool

Wikipedia defines Reverse Logistics as "the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal. More precisely, reverse logistics is the process of moving goods from their typical final destination for the purpose of capturing value, or proper disposal." Hence, it refers to those activities and procedures related to those products that are already sold. It comprises of activities such as recycling, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repair, and disposal.

For any company, product returns are a great cause of worry, as it is a complex and complicated process requiring careful attention.  One false step and the company would have to face the ire of not only the customers but also the government.  Since customer satisfaction is of paramount importance for the survival of any business enterprise, the companies have no other go but to take back the products. Such a move helps them to stay in business, ensure customer satisfaction, earn customer loyalty and retain customers. But what makes return logistics complicated is the fact that most companies look at returned products from the purview of transportation, inventory and warehousing costs. Hence, the returned merchandise remains in the warehouses gathering dirt and dust. But the fact of the matter is companies in their efforts to save a few pennies are actually closing their doors to the means of generating additional revenue.
For such companies the best solution is to invest in a reverse logistics management tool that includes the entire time to repair process, Repair & Return (R&R), Repair & Calibration (R&C) and Returns solutions thereby providing end-to-end visibility throughout the entire cycle.

It manages everything from exchanging information for return orders, authorizations and acknowledgements, stock updates, inventory specifications and sales orders, transport, to pick list and repair orders, which can be direct to/from transport providers, warehouse and time to repair centers. The following are some of the notable features of Reverse Logistics Management Tool.

·         Provides order application and connectivity to all parties in the logistics network
·         Enables total network visibility and track and trace using a customer's own reference identifiers
·         Functionality includes performance-based billing for increased quality of service
·         Order and return placement at customer or end-customer locations
·         Determines service type using defined parameters such as origin or price
·         Produces order fulfillment documentation, including transport labels

Invest in a reverse logistics management tool and take the pain away from managing product returns.

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