Perspectives on MS Applications: All Around the Model—Inbound Collection of Goods: The Reverse Distribution Problem

Often the manufacturing firm is biased in its organization so that production, marketing, sales, and distribution are largely concerned with outbound. The size of this concentration is large when contrasted with perhaps purchasing, which might have total control of inbound. It is hard to argue that there is little glamour in the collection of materials necessary for production, yet it is often a large area of expense.

It is believed by the authors that this is about to change. The pressures of inflation, tight energy supplies, and the trend of higher costs of logistics will force managements who strive for success to look at both sides of the logistical equation. Physical collection will be just as important as physical distribution.