T'is the Season for Giving: In Reverse Logistics the Benefits May Be Greater Than You Think

by Paul Rupnow

In the spirit of the holiday season, Reverse Logistics teams may be pleasantly surprised to find that giving may also result in receiving.

Did you know you could save a great deal of your Reverse Logistics costs by donating your inventory? Did you know you might also get a tax deduction of double the value of your inventory? Did you know that many companies now prefer to donate products rather than cash? Did you know your company likely has valuable assets that are not in use that can easily be collected and donated? Full Article

Hewlett-Packard became a Platinum Level RLA Members recently and Blue Raven and Advanced Communication Technologies joined at Gold Level Member. Cycleon, Choice Logistics, Sydcor, Streamline Technical Services, Index Worldwide, FedEx, Telmar Network Technology and Craters & Freighters each joined or renewed their Silver Level Membership.

RLA Members can display the RLA Membership Logo on their website. Membership provides passes to RLA events and access to RL Quote and conference presentations. Go online for a complete list of Membership Benefits.

An Advanced Exchange Service Model and the Secret of the 'Black Hole'

Published in SupplyChainBrain.com - Nov 7, 2007

by Bill Kenney

As reverse logistics service managers and supply chain professionals look for ways to improve customer satisfaction and increase customer retention and brand loyalty, more and more companies are moving towards an Advanced Exchange Service Model to meet their desired end state.

The model can be defined as a service option that allows for a customer to receive a replacement part or device prior to sending the original defective part or device back for repair. Full Article

Andrew Katcher recently joined FreeFlow as VP of Business Development. Prior to joining FreeFlow, he was CEO of Rapid Results, a supply chain management consulting company, specializing in Asia-based forward and reverse logistics solutions. Past experience includes Director of World Wide Returns at 3Com Corporation, division-level controller positions in Israel and Europe and Supply Chain management positions in Japan, Korea, Australia, Singapore and the US.

TechTurn, a trusted leader in technology recovery, refurbishing and resale, recently announced that David Wright has joined the executive team as VP of Product Sales and E-Commerce. Wright brings to TechTurn extensive leadership experience in the equipment leasing, computer and service industries.

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 RFIs:

• RFI ID 100 - Seeking 3rd Party Reseller to handle OEM Refurbished Powerconnect Network Switches

RL Quote provides OEMs, ODMs and Retailers a way to connect with 3PSPs. Get details at RL Quote.

Service Parts Obsolescence - Management Planning

by Mike Shelor

Overview of Service Parts Obsolescence: Developing processes that are focused on minimizing the obsolescence risk in service parts as the product progresses through its life cycles, ensures the lowest cost of support. Effectively managing the obsolescence in service parts while maintaining a reasonable economic value and availability to customers for service parts is the primary goal. More Info

Over 100 Exhibitors —1500 RL Professionals Attending! Join us in Las Vegas at the 5th Annual RLA Conference and Expo. This conference is shaping up to be the largest Reverse Logistics Conference ever—now expanded to three days to include Industry Focus Committee meetings, RL Workshops, more sessions, and a larger exhibition.

Come to the RLA Football Party on Sunday, February 3! Imagine Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas... No other city generates as much excitement surrounding this all-American spectacle. Arrive early to have some fun before the conference starts. Enjoy watching the game with your colleagues and clients.

The RLA conference kicks off on Monday with a number of activities including RL Workshops, RL Industry Focus Committee meetings and the opening of the Exhibit Hall. For those who like one-on-one time with their clients, join us at the RLA Golf Tournament.

Tuesday will start with an industry overview and forecast followed by the keynote address "Major Challenges Facing Reverse Logistics" by Joe Warren, VP & General Manager, Customer Support Operations of Canon USA. Presented by RL professionals and leading academics, afternoon sessions and panel discussions will focus on cutting edge reverse logistics practices. The day concludes with roundtable discussions with each of the speakers. Take advantage of this opportunity to delve into the issues and to network with others who share your interest in a particular topic.

The Wednesday keynote address "Reverse Logistics as an Asset" will be presented by Bernie Schaeffer, Corporate Vice President, Global Repair & Reverse Logistics Integrated Supply Chain, Motorola, Inc. More sessions and panels will follow.

Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall, open all three days, where OEMs, ODMs, Branded Companies and Retailers can find 3PSPs that can manage RL in the Americas, along with identifying solutions for Europe and the Far East. Exhibitors will be showcasing their RL services and solutions.

If you are a Reverse Logistics professional -- don't miss this event!

We invite professionals from all industries to participate as speakers or panelists. For more information or to sign up, please visit the Speaker Registration page. RLA Conference & Expo speakers receive many benefits.

• Storage Visions 2008 - January 5-6, 2008
• 2008 International CES - Las Vegas - January 7-10, 2008
• Consumer Electronics Supply Chain Academy - Las Vegas - January 9-10, 2008
• RLA Conference & Expo Las Vegas 2008 - February 4-6, 2008
• RL Seminar - Los Angeles, CA - March 5, 2008
• RL Seminar - Hong Kong - April 16, 2008