IndexReverse Logistics (RL) and Related AspectsDisassembly of RL ProcessesConceptual Framework of Decisions in RLComponents of Decision Making in RLReverse Logistics and the Competitive Advantage of Effective RL DecisionsReverse logistics (RL) has gained popularity in recent years due to technological progress and also due to the economic, social and environmental benefits associated with it. RL is a process that consists of a series of operations that begin at the consumer level with the collection of products and end in manufacturing facilities with the reprocessing of these products. The following paper has explored the various aspects of RL such as recycling, returns, remanufacturing, refurbishment, etc. The elements and components of the RL decision framework have been carefully examined. The article found that adopting a sound RL model as one of the business strategies gives the necessary integrity to a company by providing the opportunity to address product-related issues more or less seamlessly. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Reverse logistics (RL) has gained popularity in recent decades due to the potential to recover the value of used products. In addition to material recovery, waste management, parts or product recovery, RL is known for promoting "Green Business". Agrawal, Singh, and Murtaza (2015) defined RL as “the sequence of activities required to collect used product from customers for the purpose of reuse, repair, remanufacturing, recycling, or disposal.” Despite the growing popularity of RL, many companies still only focus on the forward flow of supply chains and ignore the reverse flow of supply chains. However, due to growing environmental concerns, legislation, corporate social responsibility, customer awareness and sustainable competitiveness, integrating RL into operations has become more crucial than ever. Furthermore, technological advancement and the growing use of e-commerce business models have created a desperate need to develop sophisticated RL systems. Customers are more aware of the options available to them and expect maximum value for money when purchasing products. Therefore, companies face the arduous task of gaining a competitive advantage in the market to make profits and survive the market dynamics. Reverse Logistics (RL) and Related Aspects Incorporating RL into operations is not limited to product returns. RL practice focuses on all aspects of RL - "from the collection of used products, to their processing and finally to the processing results, i.e. recycled materials, spare parts, remanufactured products and disposal of waste materials". “Locating facilities near the sources of used products, the availability of resources for reprocessing, proximity to disposal sites or even customers are some of the strategies suggested by researchers in creating RL systems. Integrating collection, inspection and consolidation of products used with forwarded logistics activities.” Realignment of manufacturing process, information systems and returns management for remanufacturing RL processes Disassembly Coordination Supply chain Inventory Repair and after-sales services Remanufacturing planning and control Communication “to assist in the rapid and timely disposal of returned products and also assist in remanufacturing planning". Arrival planning; capacity planning and materials planning forregeneration or reconditioning, etc. Management of heterogeneous parts (new, remanufactured and replaceable) for production; and manage a variety of inventories (used parts, new parts, spare parts, finished goods and work in progress). Conceptual framework of decisions in RLMantene companies build their own structure for making decisions. Lambert, Riopel, and Abdul-Kader (2011) proposed building frameworks on the seven important elements and further dividing the framework into three hierarchical levels (strategic, tactical, operational). The seven elements are: the coordination system, gatekeeping, collection, sorting, treatment, information system and disposal system. The coordination system serves as a link between the lower level of RL and upper management, while providing the opportunity for continuous improvement. The gatekeeping system consists of the processes in which the consumer or customer declares the need to return the company and, at this point, the company can decide which products can enter the RL systems and which cannot due to their non-functionality. The collection system consists of two phases: collection and transport. Sorting systems consist of a preliminary sorting of products, an examination to decide on treatment and a cross-check with the gatekeeping return organisation. The treatment system consists of processing activities such as repair, reuse, recycling, refurbishment, remanufacturing, upgrading and repackaging of products. The information system has the task of managing "information for each element relating to stocks and production planning and must be able to provide information for improving the product and customer satisfaction". This system must be connected to the company system for managing inventory, items or production data. For Lambert et al. (2011), the disposal system being the output of the RL system involves the following decisions: The decision to compensate a customer can occur at various points in the process and depends on the company policy. The company can also decide to do nothing about the return. There is also the possibility that the same returned item will have to be sent back to the customer. This last obligation requires the information system and all elements of the RL system to trace individual products. If a replaced product is returned to the customer, it must be the same model or of equivalent quality, performance and functionality. In the event that such product does not exist, the customer may be granted monetary credit. The amount of the credit, however, can be controversial. The last sub-process deals with shipping the product. It is very important to consider the economic aspects of each stage and develop a structure that will be economically advantageous for the company, as well as being effective from the point of view of customer satisfaction. Lambert et al. (2011) point out that there is no single reference model that can be used by all companies to make their supply chains and RL efficient and, therefore, companies will have to find the solutions that best suit the situation. Components of Decision Making in RLCost is the most important component to make a valid decision in RL. Hazen et al. (2012) suggest considering the cost implications of decisions and alternatives during the development and prior to implementation of any decision framework. They also advise business organizations to calculate profits when making disposition decisions. Market conditions and customer behavior are two variables vulnerable to economic changes and other social dynamics and, therefore, should be carefully considered”.