Reverse logistics stands for all operations related to the reuse of products and materials. It is «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. Remanufacturing and refurbishing activities also may be included in the definition of reverse logistics.» The reverse logistics process includes the management and the sale of surplus as well as returned equipment and machines from the hardware leasing business. Normally, logistics deal with events that bring the product towards the customer. In the case of reverse logistics, the resource goes at least one step back in the supply chain. For instance, goods move from the customer to the distributor or to the manufacturer.
When a manufacturers product normally moves through the supply chain network, it is to reach the distributor or customer. Any process or management after the sale of the product involves reverse logistics. If the product is defective, the customer would return the product. The manufacturing firm would then have to organise shipping of the defective product, testing the product, dismantling, repairing, recycling or disposing the product. The product would travel in reverse through the supply chain network in order to retain any use from the defective product. The logistics for such matters is reverse logistics.
Reverse logistics in companies
Reuse of products and materials is not a new phenomenon, waste paper recycling, deposit systems for soft drink bottles, and metal scrap brokers are all examples that have been around for a long time. However, reverse logistics as a research field is relatively new. A body of knowledge is beginning to develop around the reverse logistics field which only emerged within the last two decades or so. Especially during the last decade, reverse logistics has obtained recognition both as a research field and as a practice. Although reverse logistics has been gaining more and more attention recent years, many companies havent fully realized its importance and what is reverse logistics. As a matter of fact, reverse logistics is too often viewed as a headache, an expensive and recurring headache.