Part of keeping customers happy is accepting returns. In the warehouse business, the receiving process includes reverse logistics (returns) and an advanced warehouse management system like Warehouse-LINK® can help with what to do next.
Obvious logic to reverse logistics means that the product returned was a product shipped. Warehouse-LINK® provides a look-back to the shipping details to confirm information about the product. Was the correct product shipped or was another product substituted? Was the expiration date acceptable? Warehouse-LINK® provides validation and confirmation of product shipment so there can be no mistake about the shipment.
As with all receiving, product putaway is the next step, but unlike regular receiving, a returned item may be subject to special handling. Can the item go back into inventory as is or does it need QC, repaired, disassembled, or disposed of? Warehouse management takes the guesswork out of what to do next. Following business rules, Warehouse-LINK® directs the worker to the next step.
Warehouse-LINK® tracks all information regarding the return – who, what, when, where, why. The detailed information can curtail abuse of the return policy and provide insight into process improvement.