ABSTRACT
New software and systems vendors focusing on the development of new infrastructure technology and systems to support the full closed loop supply chain (CLSC) and reverse logistics (RL) process have emerged in the last few years. These organizations provide advanced tools and technology for optimizing service based RL operations. These systems include full capability for:
■ Improving the accuracy of planning and forecasting ■ Inventory and allocation control of whole units, parts, and subassemblies ■ Tracking and coordination of the full service logistics pipeline down to and including
service engineers “trunk” stocks, store or retail distribution stocks, and customer site stocks*
■ Control, coordination, and scheduling of depot repair operations
These systems can either be acquired on a stand-alone basis or integrated into and delivered as part of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and field service management systems (FSMS). Integrating these advanced closed loop and RL optimizing and control systems and software into full CRM and FSMS technology can allow an organization to achieve improvements in efficiency and productivity.
