The Power of Exchanging Data with your Reverse Logistics Partners

by Paul Rupnow

Exchanging data with your Reverse Logistics partners is no longer a good idea, but a necessity to measure performance and drive profits from Reverse Logistics operations. In his keynote presentation to over one thousand attendees of the Reverse Logistics Association Trade Show 2007 in Las Vegas, Thomas Maher from Dell, Inc. stressed repeatedly that "data" was critical to improving Reverse Logistics.

Improving data exchange with customers and partners is getting easier every day, but still can be a challenging project.  Full Article

Getting a Return on Returns

Bill Angrick Interview originally published in Stores Magazine – June 2007

Customer returns have started to clog up the backroom; unsold seasonal inventory is spreading to every nook and cranny of the store – and the cost of shipping all this back through the supply chain threatens to undo the bottom line. Faced with scenarios like this, many retailers are choosing different paths for surplus merchandise – liquidation or online auctions. These are methods that can work to the advantage of both buyers and sellers. Stores spoke with Bill Angrick, CEO of Liquidity Services, an online wholesale marketplace.  Full Article

RL Seminars provide attendees with the latest and most innovative reverse logistics strategies. Reverse Logistics Association is hosting an RL Seminar in Columbus, Ohio on September 12, 2007. The RLA team is working to confirm executives who will share with you their insights. In addition, GENCO will be hosting a Facility Tour of a Service Parts and Warranty Returns Center.

Don't let your competitors have the advantage, register today for our Columbus seminar and hear strategies and techniques that will directly impact your bottom line!

ResearchIt!

RLA members have been asking for more research reports related to the trends and practices of the Reverse Logistics industry. In response to these requests, RLA is pleased to announce a new program called "ResearchIt!" which will link customers who need research in a specific RL area to a university who is an acknowledged leader in that area.

This program will increase the amount of up-to-date industry data that will be available to the RLA membership. Additionally, it will provide a way for industry and academia to work more closely together, which in turn will help the academic community tailor their course offerings so that their graduates are aligned better with the needs of industry.

In the coming weeks, the program will be available through a new option on the RLA website. In the meantime, if you have a specific project that you would like to have done, please email research@rltinc.com and describe the details of your project.

Oracle and Sony are among the companies that became RLA Members recently. Both joined at the Silver Level Membership.

RLA Membership provides passes to RLTS events and access to RL Quote and conference presentations. Go online for a complete list of Membership Benefits.

Kristin Secreto was recently promoted to Vice President of Client Services at SIRAS.com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nintendo of America.

Paul Tran was recently promoted to Sr. Director of Sales and Marketing at Comtek Computer Systems, one of the world's leading 3rd party technical services and supply chain providers.

Help! What do I do with my old computer equipment?

by Glen A. Kashgegian

Chicago's Public School CTO Robert Runcie is responsible for managing computer hardware in more than 600 public schools. Unfortunately, Chicago's fiscal challenges have handcuffed Runcie making his job very difficult. According to an article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune, "Each Chicago area school gets its own budget for purchasing and supporting its own computers. This has led to some massive problems, as schools struggle to find their way in unfamiliar territory." The article talks about how schools struggle with problems relating to the acquisition, maintenance and recently the disposal of old computers. Typically, the funding that is provided to schools is usually targeted for the acquisition and maintenance of computers. There usually is no consideration given to the disposal of the old computers. The challenges Mr. Runcie faces are not unique to the Chicago Public School System. School systems across the country face a similar dilemma in what to do with old, outdated computer hardware.   Full Artice

The fourth annual Reverse Logistics Assocation Conference & Expo in Asia-Pacific will be held on October 2-4, 2007 at the Le Meridian Hotel in Singapore.

Companies from the South Pacific, Asia and many other international delegates will be in attendance. ODMs and OEMs will be looking for 3PSPs that can manage Reverse Logistics in North America and Europe, along with identifying Service Logistics solutions for the Far-East.

Held earlier this year to avoid the holidays, this premier Reverse Logistics Event is just two months away. The chance to meet with peers and competitors to discuss Reverse Logistics issues along with meeting key industry professionals make this Conference & Expo second to none.

Speaker and Panelist positions are still open. There are great benefits for speaking or participating on a panel. Also, it is never too late to make a good decision. So exhibit now to showcase your products and services at RLTS Singapore 2007!

The "NEW" Post RFI Button makes it easier than ever to post an RFI. One click takes you right to the data entry screen -- complete the form, submit and it's posted. It's as simple as 1-2-3.

RL Quote is available for all manufacturers and retail companies at no cost. 3PSPs that are members of RLA can respond to these RFIs:

• RFI ID 92: North America - Large retail company looking for 3rd party to pack & ship used store fixtures and equipment nation wide.
• RFI ID 91: Indonesia - Major Computer OEM is seeking field service 3PSP for Indonesia

RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. With RL Quote a manufacturer or retailer can send out RFIs anonymously to our worldwide database of suppliers, screen through the 3PSP responses and narrow down the prospects.

Get details at RL Quote.

• RL Seminar - Columbus, OH - September 12, 2007
• RLTS Singapore 2007 - October 2-4, 2007
• Warehousing Education and Research Council- Benchmark NOW! - Chicago, IL - October 3-4, 2007
• RL Seminar - Austin, TX - October 17, 2007
• E-Scrap 2007 - Atlanta, GA - October 24-25, 2007
• RL Seminar - Miami, FL - November 7, 2007