Hi-Tech/Electronics

eyefortransport’s latest industry report reveals that 70 % of supply chain executives at hi-tech companies still consider reverse logistics as a cost center. The report, released this week, demonstrates how more than two thirds of the executives surveyed do not recognize reverse logistics as a key revenue source.

In the 2013 ‘Hi-Tech Reverse Logistics & Aftermarket Services Report’ 70% of supply chain executives at hi-tech manufacturers indicated that reverse logistics was still a costly operation at their company.  35% of those surveyed saw reverse logistics as a cost center supporting product sales in comparison to 32% who voted it as a cost center creating competitive differentiation.   In contrast to 2012 30% now see reverse logistics as a profit centre (compared to 18% last year) – this is a very encouraging statistic.

The report goes onto outline the key reverse logistics challenges facing supply chain executives in the hi-tech industry.  When rating their levels of transparency, 68% of executives said that their reverse logistics processes were either very or somewhat transparent.  Visibility over the first mile back has always been a significant issue for hi-tech manufacturers, however they are clearly seeing the benefits of improving this area such as decreased costs and high levels of customer service.

To access the complimentary report please click here

There will be an exclusive session exploring the key challenges in reverse logistics at the eyefortransport Hi-Tech & Electronics Supply Chain Summit in Amsterdam on May 16-17^th 2013.  Complimentary passes are available to supply chain executives who work for hi-tech and electronics companies if they register before  March 15^th.   If you are interested in joining then please contact the event director Sophie Farrow (sfarrow@eft.comor +44 (0) 207 375 7587)