Reducing Cycle Time in Reverse Logistics

While products in the typical supply chain move forward toward the ultimate consumer, many organizations are beginning to realize the importance of reverse logistics. Reverse logistics addresses the flow of products back to vendors or suppliers. The reverse logistics process studied here involves a three-link supply chain for microcomputer products, in which products are returned to a supplier from an end user, and then from the supplier to a wholesaler. This study examines this reverse logistics process by mapping the current process, determining current cycle times, identifying obstacles that adversely affect cycle time performance, and exploring opportunities for cycle time reduction.