RFID IN REVERSE LOGISTICS RESEARCH FRAMEWORK AND ROADMAP

Reverse logistics is constantly gaining in importance for both research and practice. Research on RFID has so far concentrated on the use of RFID in order to support forward logistics processes, but is beginning to realize the specific potentials and benefits of RFID systems in this evolving research area. IS research has so far addressed individual and rather isolated aspects of this topic. In order to promote this evolving field of RFID research, we present a structuring framework and propose a roadmap for future research

A Case Study to Explore IoT Readiness in Outbound Logistics

Most of the logistics companies are facing problems with tracking and tracing in their logistics networks that led to poor last-mile service quality. This problem can be solved by improving technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Midway through the second decade of the millennium, the rapid development of IoT has influenced the company’s outbound logistics operations such as last-mile delivery. Implementation of IoT will help courier companies to optimize their delivery process. Despite its popular perceived benefit in assisting last-mile delivery, IoT remains a new technology and its adoption rate is still low in Malaysia. Thus, the main purpose of this research is to explore the status of IoT readiness among logistics companies in Malaysia. Apart from that, this research also intends to propose the best practice for courier companies to implement IoT. The finding of this research will indicate the factors affecting the readiness of the organizations to adopt IoT and the best practice for the implementation of IoT for the last-mile of a parcel delivery service in Malaysia will be proposed. This research is carried out by making use of qualitative methods with a number of courier companies in Malaysia as case studies. The case study provided is related to a courier company in Malaysia. In the preliminary study phase, results show that IoT helps to improve productivity and enhance the efficiency of the company

The Determination Of Rfid Adoption In China

RFID adalah salah satu kaedah yang digunakan untuk memajukan pengurusan dan operasi dalam industri logistik , perbuatan dan informasi awam. RFID is a way of improving the management and operation efficiency when used in industries of logistics, manufacture and public information service

A framework for how logistics service providers should handle returns as a warehouse operation for e-commerce companies

Title: A framework for how logistics service providers should handle returns as a warehouse operation for pure e-commerce companies Authors: Louise Meurling and Matilda Sturesson Supervisor: Joakim Kembro, Division of Engineering Logistics at LTH Problem description: Managing the reverse logistics process in a warehouse is a central part of the activities for companies operating in e-commerce. Companies can outsource the return handling to a Logistics Service Provider (LSP) in order to focus on their core competences. The theory of today is based on the assumption that a physical point of contact is included in the chain. Therefore, there is a need to extend the theory into the context of e-commerce. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to create a framework for how LSPs should handle returns in the warehouse, from the point of receiving until put back in storage, for customers in the e-commerce business. Research questions: How should a LSP handle returns in the warehouse for customers of e-commerce? What are the barriers of the return handling in a warehouse and how can LSPs overcome these? How do the different characteristics of products and customers of a LSP change the handling of returns? How can the return handling in a warehouse of a LSP contribute to greater value for the customers acting in the e-commerce business? Methodology: A flexible design methodology has been used in this thesis together with a multiple case study based on two cases at PostNord TPL´s facility in Helsingborg. Interviews, observations, and historical data have been collected and analysed in an intra case analysis and a cross-case analysis in order to answer the research questions and modify the reverse logistics framework to the context of e-commerce. Conclusions: A framework for how LSPs should handle returns in a warehouse is extended based on theory to the context of e-commerce. Several barriers of the return handling for LSPs have been identified. These are: limited sharing of forecasts, limited visibility, customer requirements, heterogenous decision making, and the changing business of e-commerce. It can be concluded that the product and customer characteristics impact the handling of returns to a large extent. To be able to contribute to greater value for the customers, the LSP should offer a fast, efficient, and less costly reverse logistics process than if they would perform it in-house. Keywords: Warehouse activities, inbound logistics, reverse logistics process, returns, return handling, e-commerce, logistics service provide