A Matchmaking System to Enhance the Traceability of RTI Returns

Abstract

The present study was designed to gain a deeper understanding of RTI control and Supply Chain Coordination, with a specific focus on the practical challenges experienced in the reverse logistics by asset-owner and asset-users. A case study at EPS - an RTI owner - is performed and a practical problem has been addressed with a design science and TIL systems engineering approach. It was observed that a huge amount of deposit is allocated to a retailer's generic account. The current state analysis found that this problem is mainly due to inefficiency in the current identification process with physical SSCC labels. The design goal of minimising the "Delta" -the number of unidentifiable return packages- was defined. Ways to redesign the reverse logistics were determined with the aim that all return packages can be allocated to the retailer at shop level. Based on the future state requirements and the design goal, the concept of matchmaking is developed as a way to achieve the design goal. This thesis shows that a matchmaking system can improve the traceability of return packages and that it has the potential in bringing the Delta of return packages with missing shoplink to zero.
The matchmaking system is defined as the framework that ensures matchmaking, which uses a "key" generated by the sender to represent the return package. If the receiver can find the key upon arrival of the return package at the depot, the sender can be identified. Seven matchmaking systems were considered. Five alternatives use unique tray identities as key. One alternative uses the load carrier as key and the last alternative uses the return package identity as key. The validation results show that an "all read" or "reading of all individual trays" is not a requisite for a working matchmaking system. By contrast, as long as a certain ratio of reading at two locations is reached, an all-read scenario can be mimicked. The assessment investigated the instances in which zero mismatch take place. Results show that the higher the data capture capability of both the sender and receiver, the higher the chance a match can take place and the smaller the chance of a mismatch. This thesis creates insights on requirements for enhancing traceability of RTI's in the return chain and developed a matchmaking concept that can address the practical problem of returns without traceability of shop origin. The developed matchmaking concept is the outcome of an analysis of the current state and makes use of data elements that are already being collected in the database, in the case of EPS. The study addresses how collected data can be leveraged for enhanced RTI management in the reverse logistics and may inspire practitioners to face challenges with a similar lean approach.