Explain and describe a network (virtual or otherwise)
Describe how a network would be important in reverse logistics
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Reverse Logistics Network
Logistic network design is a recognized strategy in the supply chain due to its
prime importance. A network is the modeling design used in logistics to show the location of the
production facility, transportation, distribution channels, and storage concepts and flow strategies
that enhance performance. According to Alshamsi and Diabat (2017), a virtual network is a
logical grouping of workstations and production facilities, servers and network devices to make
them appear on the same LAN despite their varied distribution geographically. Besides, the
network allows firms to communicate in a virtual environment as if they exist in a single location
and are configured in a single broadcast domain.
Networks are implemented to accomplish security, information sharing, and
scalability and ease management of a network as well as allow quick adaptation to changes in
logistics requirements and relocation of facilities. Network in logistics is specifically designed to
enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Besides, a network provides visibility and
improves the performance of logistics as well as applies appropriate security features. A network
will be critical in reverse logistics as it will consist of collection centers and other facilities set up
to the original equipment manufacturer or their consortia for product returns’ categories under
diverse strategies of customer service and operational constraints. Network design for reverse
logistics will be critical in reverse logistics as it will link all facilities and collection centers into
a single LAN in order to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction (Alshamsi and Diabat,
2017). This is an important technique to improve performance through information sharing,
effective communication, and identification of security measures. Therefore, a network will
improve performance through the configuration of all components of reverse logistics into a
REVERSE LOGISTICS NETWORK 3
single control unit or server that will enhance the process of product return and improve
customer satisfaction and experience. Thus, it is a modeling design, which brings together all
components of the supply chain to function virtually as a single unit to achieve common
objectives.
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References
Alshamsi, A., & Diabat, A. (2017). A Genetic Algorithm for Reverse Logistics network design:
A case study from the GCC. Journal of Cleaner Production, 151, 652-669.
