Strategic Evaluation of the Market for Reverse Logistics Management Software

by Michael R. Blumberg

The state of the art for software to manage Reverse Logistics (RL) and Aftermarket Supply Chain consist of a broad array of functional models to manage various business functions including but not limited to returns management, depot repair, compliance tracking, liquidation management, etc. Although the functional requirements for RL software vary by industry, there is a general perception among some segments of the market that no single vendor offers a complete end-to-end solution for Reverse Logistics. On the other hand, Software Vendors claim that availability of end-to-end solutions is a function of market demand. Heretofore, market data on the size and forecast for RL software has not been available. Research suggests that the global market for RL and Aftermarket Supply Chain Software represents a multiple billion dollar market opportunity. As a result, we anticipate increased adoption of state of the art RL software over the next few years.
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United States Postal Service recently joined RLA at the Gold Membership Level.

Sony Electronics, CompuSource Tech, Product Support Services, Hyper Microsystems, OnProcess and Toshiba each recently joined or renewed their Silver Level RLA Membership.

RLA Members can display the RLA membership logo on their website. Membership provides passes to RLA events and access to RL Quote and conference presentations. Go online for a complete list of membership benefits.

ZSL Inc., a leading Technology Solutions Provider, recently announced that John Mehrmann has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development. Prior to joining ZSL Inc., John served as a Regional Sales Director for DEX (Data Exchange Corporation), a leading supply chain solutions provider for high tech industries. The tenure at DEX provided perspective as a service provider, reverse logistics and depot services. This augmented John's 20 years of experience with Toshiba, where he was Director of Service Operations for Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

Assurant Solutions recently announced that David Novak has joined the International Operations team as director, International Strategic Relations. David joined the Extended Protection Solutions business last October as a director after an extensive career in the development and management of post-sale service and support activities, from both a national and international perspective, for several major manufacturers, including Toshiba, Fujitsu and Palm.

Pelican Products, Inc., the global leader in the manufacture of advanced lighting systems and virtually indestructible cases, has appointed retired Marine Corps General Peter Pace as its Chairman of the Board. Pace is the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a four-star general and brings more than four decades of military and defense leadership expertise to Pelican's board. Pace assumes the Chairman of the Board position at Pelican in a non-executive role and will provide additional strategic oversight to Pelican's work in the military, defense and federal government sectors. He succeeds Rob Gluskin, a Behrman Capital operating partner, who will continue to serve Pelican as director.

Touchstone Wireless, a leading North American wireless handset repair company, has added two key executives to its leadership team - John "Jack" W. Gemmell as vice president of human resources and Rockwell "Rocky" Scott as chief information officer.

Jack is a 10-year veteran of the wireless industry, having previously held executive human resources positions with Comcast Cellular Communications, Southwestern Bell Communications, Cingular Wireless, UbiquiTel and Sprint-Nextel.

Rocky has 21 years of experience as a designer and manager of technology strategies that help businesses achieve goals. His background includes serving as chief operations officer and as chief information officer.

Return Tips from the Retail Pros

by Paul Rupnow

A few short years ago many retailers sold their product returns as salvage by the truckload for pennies on the dollar. Today, Reverse Logistics Professionals at many retail operations are achieving significant reductions in return rates, reduced processing and logistics costs, and vastly improved recovery rates on returned merchandise. At the Reverse Logistics Association Conference and Expo 2008 in Las Vegas, Best Buy, Circuit City and Wal-Mart outlined some of their strategies for tackling the returned merchandise challenge.

Return Merchandise Decision Tree

In handling returns, the Wal-Mart returns team has identified four keys to a successful Reverse Logistics Operation: Sound Structure, Service Orientation, Solid Measurement Tools, and Speed and Accuracy. An essential tool they utilize for this foundation is a Return Merchandise Decision Tree. The decision tree outlines the return path for each item from each supplier. It is essential for determining how to handle and build systems to optimally handle each item that is returned.

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Join us for Europe's Premiere Reverse Logistics Event! Companies from throughout Europe as well as many other international delegates will be in attendance. ODMs and OEMs will be looking for 3PSPs that can manage Reverse Logistics in Europe, along with identifying solutions for Asia and the Americas.

The event features Workshops on the first day followed by a two-day Conference & Expo highlighting topics relevant to latest industry best practices. Reverse Logistics Professionals from OEMs, ODMs, Branded Companies, Retailers, Academia and 3PSPs represent the wide array of speakers and panel discussion participants.

On Tuesday, Doug Schmitt, Vice President of Global Field Delivery at Dell, will deliver the Keynote Address on the "Major Challenges Facing Reverse Logistics."

Call for Speakers. Nominate reverse logistics thought leaders to speak at our Amsterdam event! There are many benefits for session speakers and panel participants.

We are expecting over 500 attendees and more than 25 exhibitors! More info.

RL Quote - Four Key Procurement Advantages for OEMs

RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. With RL Quote a retailer or manufacturer can send out RFIs anonymously to our worldwide database of service providers, screen through the 3PSP responses and narrow down the prospects.

Using RL Quote is simply a better way to source for Reverse Logistics Services, here are four reasons why...

• FREE Industry Expertise
• Anonymity
• Wider Selection
• New Technologies

For more details, click here.

• WERC Annual Conference – Chicago – May 4–7, 2008
• 2008 International Computer Refurbishers Summit – Toronto, Ontario – May 5–6, 2008
• Investment Recovery Association Spring '08 Seminar & Tradeshow – May 19–21, 2008
• RLA Conference & Expo Amsterdam 2008 – June 16–18, 2008
• Electronics Recycling Conference & Trade Show – Chicago – June 22–24, 2008
• RL Seminar – Hong Kong – August 6, 2008