*By Fernando Alex de Carvalho
THE logistics Reverse, initially developed to return inputs and packaging to their point of origin, has evolved significantly with changes in the population's consumption model. Today, this process is essential not only for environmental sustainability, but also for the operational efficiency of transport companies, especially in the context of e-commerce and digital platforms.
In the beginning, the proposal mainly addressed the return of pallets and packaging, ensuring that materials used in deliveries were returned for reuse. Over time, the concept expanded to include the exchange of defective or non-conforming products, which is critical in the industrial and retail sector. The rise of e-commerce, in turn, has brought new challenges and opportunities for reverse logistics, making it critical to customer service and operational efficiency. To give you an idea, virtual sales reached R$ 185.7 billion in revenue in 2023, according to an analysis by the Brazilian Electronic Commerce Association (ABComm).
Currently, when making deliveries, carriers often collect returned products simultaneously, optimizing vehicle use and reducing idle trips. This “married” model of operation is a direct response to the need for speed and efficiency in the modern supply chain.
Challenges and advantages
Even though it is evolving, one of the biggest challenges in reverse logistics today is the coordination between collection and delivery – a process that involves precise scheduling, both for pickup and return, requiring detailed planning to avoid inefficiency. The lack of maturity in the use of advanced technologies and the variability of the types of products transported can further complicate this coordination.
Furthermore, another obstacle for carriers is dealing with reverse logistics for shippers (industries and retailers) and their own operations. This requires robust scheduling and routing systems, as well as a deep understanding of the specific needs of each customer and type of cargo.
However, the effective implementation of reverse logistics can bring numerous benefits. Firstly, there is a significant reduction in operating costs. Collecting returned products during deliveries avoids empty return trips, optimizing vehicle use and increasing revenue.
The practice also contributes to business sustainability, as the reuse of packaging and the correct return of products avoid waste and negative environmental impacts. Companies that adopt reverse logistics strengthen their ESG and gain advantages in both financial sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Technology: an indispensable ally
To overcome the challenges and maximize the benefits of reverse logistics, technology is an indispensable ally for companies in the sector, who can make use of advanced routing and load planning tools to coordinate collections and deliveries efficiently. Integrated BI systems and KPIs also allow carriers to analyze demand and predict trends, proactively adjusting their operations.
The technology also facilitates traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain, providing a clear view of critical points and opportunities for improvement, as integrated systems allow for more efficient management of operations, from scheduling to the execution of tasks. collections and deliveries.
Reverse logistics is therefore a vital component of the modern supply chain, especially in the context of e-commerce and digital platforms. Although there are still challenges to be overcome to ensure even more efficiency in the process, the adoption of advanced technologies and strategic planning can transform these obstacles into opportunities for continuous improvement.
Transport companies that invest in operational maturity and technological integration not only increase their efficiency and sustainability, but also position themselves as market leaders, ready to meet the growing demands of contemporary consumption. Reverse logistics, in this way, is not just an operational necessity, but a fundamental competitive advantage in the current scenario.
*Fernando Alex de Carvalho is Market and Product Manager at Benner Group, a company that offers business management software and technology services to revolutionize and simplify business.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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