Decompense in reverse logistics impacts telecom sector with millionaire costs

Standardization in the handling of returns has become the main point of attention of large companies, especially in the telecommunications sector, which deals daily with the massive return of equipment. In 2022, the world generated 62 million tons of electronic waste, with a projected increase of 33% by 2030.

In addition to the increasing volume of returns, which already represents a challenge, there is also a lack of uniformity in the processes of receiving and controlling these items in the Distribution Centers (CDs). In the telecommunications sector, in which the return of equipment such as modems and routers is a routine, the mismatch between reverse logistics and inventory control has generated high costs, reaching the R$100 million, in addition to the loss of efficiency.

Therefore, companies face difficulties to perform an adequate processing in CDs, which results in physical and fiscal lack of control, generating a negative impact directly on their operations. PostalGow created the solution ReturnEasy, a platform that allows standardizing the handling of returns, one of the main logistics bottlenecks of telecoms, with national capillarity.“The reverse logistics process does not end in the return.It also involves the handling and checking of items according to the standards defined by the customer”, explains Carlos Tanaka, CEO of PostalGow.

Standardizing distribution centers

The great innovation of the company is the adoption of an integrated system that automates and standardizes the treatment of returned products. The platform allows end customers to return the equipment in drop off stations, facilitating the process of shipping and transportation to CDs, ensuring service throughout the national territory and logistics efficiency.

Upon arrival at the CDs, the goods undergo a rigorous conference, which includes checking the contents of the packaging and adapting to the established return standards.“A solution allows the system to make the conference processes more agile and efficient, making each item handled correctly and in a standardized way, significantly reducing losses and failures in the inventory control”, highlights Tanaka.

This level of standardization is a strategic solution for companies facing cramped CDs and the need to maintain strict inventory control. The use of advanced technologies, such as smart cameras, helps in the automation of the conference process and in the monitoring of each step of the return. This not only reduces processing time, but also reduces human errors and increases the quality of the service provided. 

Ensuring the operational efficiency of companies

The platform allows integration with ERP systems of companies, allowing the synergy between logistics and management processes. With this integration, companies can monitor, in real time, all stages of the return, from the issuance of the voucher to handling the CD, ensuring full transparency and control.

For Tanaka, standardization in the handling of returns is the key to improving operational efficiency. “With process automation and standardization of the treatment of returned products, we were able to optimize CDs, and offer a much more efficient return experience for the final consumer”, concludes the CEO