Why Reverse Logistics is Important in Supply Chain Management?

Have you wondered about what happens after your customer receives the products or services that he or she has purchased from you?

Well, we tend to prioritise the delivery process till the customer receives the products but the post-delivery process hardly receives any kind of importance. However, while selling any kind of product or service, it is utterly crucial for you to take accountability and manage the entire business operation from the production, marketing, selling, delivery and even the post-delivery process. You can enable the supply chain management software solution to handle the supply chain and logistics part of your business. With the right software, you can manage the product delivery as well as the post-delivery state which is reverse logistics. 

So, what exactly is reverse logistics? 

The blog explores the concept of reverse logistics and its importance in supply chain management for enhancing the customer experience and also for your company.

Reverse Logistics? What is it?

Reverse logistics refers to the process of returning the purchased products to the point of origin, that is when a purchaser returns an item purchased by him or her to the manufacturer. However, in the present era, where online shopping is extremely popular, reverse logistics can no longer take the back seat for the manufacturers. Therefore, Reverse logistics in supply chain management has become an integral part of a business. The optimisation of reverse logistics can improve the customer experience and as a result, every company have been taking it into consideration. Because, the better customer satisfaction, the better the chances of customer retention and therefore high revenue generation and business growth. 

The Role of Supply Chain Management Software for Reverse Logistics

In order to function smoothly and effectively deliver the products to the customers, the supply chain is extremely prioritised in recent years.  With the digital and technological advancements, this has become relatively easier as most businesses from different industries are opting for the supply chain management software solution. The investment in the custom software is initially high but over the years, it proves to be an important asset of the business not only for the effective delivery but also for reverse logistics. 

The Supply chain management software or the SCM is much easier, reliable and equally focused on the tasks attributed thereby delivering more accurate data than that of the Enterprise Resource Planning software. You can easily automate the business workflow with this software solution to aid in revenue generation. Therefore, it helps in building trustworthy relationships among the partners and at the same time offers great customer satisfaction and experience.  

Benefits of a Reverse Logistic System Incorporated with Supply Chain Management Software Solution

While some companies still consider the return of the products to be an unnecessary hassle and hence, do not take into account the reverse logistics seriously. However, with the customisation of the right supply chain management software development, you can enforce reverse logistics properly. You can also enjoy the several benefits associated with the effective workflow of reverse logistics.

Here are some of the major benefits that you can find are listed below:

Cost Reduction

You can easily reduce the cost reduction by planning and enforcing the return order correctly. The related costs like administration of the products, shipping, transportation and logistics, tech support and the quality analysis, everything can be under control and hence reduction in the extra cost.

Fast Service

With the right reverse logistics and returns management feature incorporated in the supply chain management procedure, you can enable faster shipping and return of the products as well as quick reimbursement to your customers. Hence, the fast service will help your customers have an enhanced faith in your company. 

Customer Retention

If your customers face any issues with your products then it is your responsibility to help them and make things right. So enabling the reverse logistics you and supporting your customer with every help they require will restore their trust in them and hence, the overall experience will enable you in customer retention. 

Loss Reduction

With the right supply chain management and reverse logistics system, you don’t have to leave the products with an issue with the customers thereby letting the money required for its manufacturing and shipping go into the drain. You can collect it with the reverse logistics and turn it into something different or make the required repair. 

Sustainability

Sustainability is an extremely essential concept in the present world. If you manage to make the defective goods reusable and prioritise sustainability, then it will also help you enhance your brand reputation as customers are increasingly concerned about product sustainability.

Business Insights

The right and well-organised reverse logistics and returns management system in your supply chain process will provide you with accurate and valuable data in order to help you streamline your business operations effectively. You can therefore be ensured about how to channel your business process and increase the overall performance and enhance productivity. 

How To Implement Reverse Logistics For Your Company?

Wondering how to implement reverse logistics?

The present supply chain management is equally digital as physical and both require the same effective management. Therefore the implementation of the software for the supply chain can only be the sole way. For a business operating in any sector that wants an automated workflow process along with access to data analytics, and providing high-end customer experience for delivery and reverse logistics, opting for supply chain management software development has to be the only option. Implementation of reverse logistics is not really challenging. Just make sure you follow the following ways:

• Listen to whatever your customers say
• Ensure to put the relevant guidelines properly abiding by them.
• Enhance the logistical process making it fast and smooth.
• Take the traceability approach
• Space out your Warehouse separately for Return Items.
• Use a dedicated Inventory Management System

You can undertake the entire control of your business supply chain and logistics while looking into the reverse logistics process by implementing a suitable and smart supply chain management software solution. The smart software will always help you streamline your reverse logistics thereby making it easier and fast as well.