VIL - Reverse Logistics
VIL – Reverse Logistics
Reverse Logistics and After Sales Services is a segment that has clearly been on the rise during the last couple of years. Industrial organisations have noticed the huge potential that after sales services can have on their bottom-line and on the other hand, Logistic Services Providers have a number of new opportunities that they can offer to the industrial companies. The type of solutions that are needed to support after sales / reverse logistics streams are, however, drastically different from the solution used to support sales / forward distribution logistics.
During 2007, the VIL (Vlaamse Instituut voor de Logistiek - Flemish Institute for Logistics) initiated a survey and study to identify the specific requirements for these new reverse flows. Based on the outcome of this survey the VIL launched an RFQ to identify external partners. The task: To translate the results of this survey into a practical guideline for logistics service providers on ‘how to get started with’ and ‘how to position themselves’ in the market of Reverse Logistics.
Innochain was selected during this RFQ process, based on our methodology and practical knowledge of both the industry and the logistics service providers and our vast experience in the reverse logistics market.
Sven Verstrepen - Expert VIL Research Center:
The Flanders Institute for Logistics (www.vil.be) needed a freelance partner with a lot of 3PL experience and deep insight in the organization of reverse logistics processes. In InnoChain and Camiel Vennekens, we found all this and more. In a very short period of time, Camiel helped us to understand and document the detailed reverse logistics processes of 4 different vertical industries. In addition, his pragmatic approach and down-to-earth style made him a pleasure to work with.
The result of the completed assignment is a 200-page binder that will guide a service provider through the process from beginning to end including market positioning, product definition, price setting and practical implementation of a reverse logistics business unit.
The content of the final handbook was reviewed several times with industry experts and during work-sessions with the VIL. The first print will be released by the VIL by the summer of 2008.
See http://www.vil.be/nl/eventkalender.htm for further details on VIL Reverse Logistics events.