Reverse Logistics
In this paper, we will discuss the definition and history of reverse logistics. Although reverse logistics can be traced from many years ago, it is not easy to get this term value with accuracy. In the 1980s, its meaning was motivated by flow movement in contrast to the outdated flow in the chain of supply. In the 1990s, a correct reverse logistics meaning was formulated by the Logistics Management Council, focusing on the aspects of reverse logistics recovery.
Reverse logistics refers to the logistics role in hazardous materials management, waste disposal and its role in recycling. It is thus inclusive of all activities in logistics done in order to recycle, reduce the source, substitute, dispose and reuse materials. The meaning is universal, as is apparent from the fact that logistics got a role in all the unfolding activities. In addition to this, it has origin from the standpoint of waste management. According to Dekker, reverse logistics is directed by principles of marketing and through providing insight of direction. This is where goods move from the user to the manufacturer in channel distribution.
It is a wider term that refers to the management of logistics and non-hazardous or hazardous waste disposal from products and packaging. It is inclusive of reverse distribution that leads to information and goods flowing in reverse normal logistics direction. In the 20th century, in accordance to Dekke, reverse logistics focus the process and aim of the logistics involved in the activities. It is the practice of making a plan, taking control of capability, implementing and flow of profitable raw materials, in the process of inventing, finishing goods and associated information from the consumption point to the origin point for the aim of appropriate disposal or value recapture.
The concept of reverse logistics retains the definition significance as Dekker puts it. This way there is no referring to the origin point or consumption point. This means, there is allowance to unconsumed flows returns. For example, stock changes as a result of spare parts or overstocks that were not consumed or might land to a dissimilar recovery point other than the one of origin. This way, we might use recovery point to focus on the difference we wish to create from activities of waste management.
In conclusion, reverse logistics meaning has been changing as time goes on, from wrong direction sense traversing to focusing on aspects of environment, then right back to pillar concept of origin, and at last to scope elaboration.
