ABSTRACT
As indicated in previous chapters, the significant difference in the general reverse logistics (RL) process between industrial and commercial products on the one hand, and consumer goods products on the other, is the position of the distribution/retailer in the overall supply chain, and the ease or difficulty of applying closed loop supply chain (CLSC) processes and technology. In essence, in the consumer goods area, the customer usually deals directly with the retailers, or in some cases the distributor, if Internet or ecommerce processes are utilized. In general, the direct supply chain flows from the manufacturer to the dealer/distributor, the retailer, or both. Both returns and service and support to the customer are coordinated through the retail chain; thus, the closed loop structure found in industrial and commercial products is either not applicable, or is much more difficult to manage and control, since the entire process is not the responsibility of one organization.
