iStock.com/Tryaging
If you want to identify optimal solutions, achieve a balanced approach to strategies, and maximize the benefits within the supply chain throughout your organization, it is important to understanding the difference between reverse logistics and green logistics strategies. Both processes play a critical role in the success of an organization. Here’s what you need to know about the differences, and advantages of both solutions.
What Is Reverse Logistics?
Reverse logistics refers to any and all operations that relate to the reuse of materials and products. It is defined as the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow of raw materials, as well as in-process inventory, finished goods, and information from the beginning of the supply chain to the end. To put it plainly, reverse logistics is the management of moving goods from their final destination, back to the distributor or manufacturer for rework, replacement, or disposal. Many companies may cringe at this process, but a low rate of returns and reverse logistics can actually be good for business. It allows a company to make a lasting impression on the customer by handling any complaints, issues, or problems efficiently, and ensuring the customer is treated well and has their needs met. Especially in cases when the product is defective, it is important to make sure your organization properly ships the defective product, tests it, dismantles, repairs, recycles, or disposes it, and provides the customer with an improved or brand-new product that works well.
What Is Green Logistics?
Green logistics is becoming more important throughout logistics and supply chain management because of the benefits it brings to all aspects of an organization. In terms of humanitarian logistics, green logistics encourages all participants to consider the impact of their actions on the environment. The main goal of this type of system is to coordinate activities in the supply chain that brings the least amount of damage to the environment. This includes being aware of how actions affect climate change, air pollution, waste, soil degradation, noise, and accidents.
Benefits of Reverse Logistics in Various Fields
Reverse Logistics in Military Applications
Did you know that the military has been using reverse logistics for ages? The military currently has the largest reverse logistics operations of all time. With military operations, reverse logistics is much more than just products being returned from a customer to the distributor or manufacturer. It deals with the way damaged items like trucks, tanks, and equipment are returned to reclaim some value for them, even if they are unserviceable. Items that are in fairly good condition are fixed and resold, while others are sold as they are. It costs billions of dollars for the military to manage green logistics transportation—for products to be tracked, traced, and moved. The military does this job efficiently and effectively.
Reverse Logistics in Industrial Sectors
In the industrial sector, reverse logistics is used for heavy machines, in the electronic sectors, and the plastic sector. Reverse logistics serves the purpose of replacing defective parts, repairing used or damaged products, refurbishing returned items, and issuing “call-back” for a series of products that are harmful or defective. It also deals with the disposal of waste products and materials that can no longer be used.
Benefits of Green Logistics
Environment Friendly
Green logistics is one of the best solutions for the environment, and more businesses are making changes to their supply chain to accommodate environmental concerns. By implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact, companies will preserve health, space, and the environment. Green logistics can provide benefits from the proper disposal of waste materials, including toxic and hazardous goods. It considers the entire lifecycle of a product: production, distribution, consumption, and disposal.
Reduce Information Technology Expenses
Green information technology (IT) plays a big role in making sure gaps are filled to ensure the success of supply chain initiatives. A green supply chain can help an organization spend less on transportation and optimize routes; automate the transportation planning process; streamline through automation and mobility solutions; reduce the expense of natural resources by having a paperless process; and effectively use collaborative planning and forecasting to save time and energy.
Less Cost, More Efficiency
The core value of green logistics companies is to simultaneously reduce waste and increase productivity. By effectively managing resources and suppliers, organizations can reduce promotion costs, encourage recycling, and reuse raw materials to produce less waste. As a result, the relevant operational costs are greatly reduced, while the efficiency of using resources improves.
Improved Quality and Products
Technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly products can enhance the brand image and reputation of an organization. Consumers enjoy shopping and using products from companies that have a low risk on the environment and to their health.
Outsource Your Supply Chain Responsibilities to Lean Supply Solutions
If you want to benefit from reverse logistics and green logistics solutions, consider working with a reliable third-party logistics company. These companies can handle every part of the supply chain from beginning to end, so you can focus on other important areas of your business, such as marketing and sales. If these solutions interest you, there is a company that can provide you with what you need. Lean Supply Solutions rises to the challenge of meeting its clients’ needs through our services which include supply chain management, green transportation and logistics, product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, reverse logistics in manufacturing, e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse pick-and-pack, and order fulfillment. Lean Supply Solutions offers consistent, accurate, quality results. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 905-482-2590.
