Quality Based Model for Reverse Logistics: A KM View

Reverse Logistics comprises of all operations and decision making related to the reverse-flow of used products from customers to the manufacturers. It involves reuse of used products, remanufacturing or recycling, surplus inventory and packaging materials based on their configuration as well as condition. Excellent literature, related to quality modeling has been available for many years. A lot of discussion has taken place extolling the virtues of flexibility and its effect on the overall successful operation of enterprises. Considering in its generic form, quality based modeling can be applied to develop it as a flexible product recovery system. This paper examines the feasibility and practicality of applying a quality based self-assessment approach with a focus on flexibility for reverse logistic system improvements .It suggests that demonstration simulation models can play an important role in sharing the flexible work flow structures and the improvements in them. It is proposed that self-assessment based quality models to be developed to promote flexibility related issues, while dealing with the reverse logistics problems. One such model is presented and discussed in this paper.