Leveraging Ai to Enhance Reverse Logistics, Returns, Satisfaction and Outcome

Authors

Ashok Kumar R

Department of Management Sciences, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore – 641 014 Tamil Nadu (India)

Karthikeyan K

Department of Management Sciences, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore – 641 014 Tamil Nadu (India)

Dinesh Kumar G

Department of Commerce, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore – 641 014 Tamil Nadu (India)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10200078

Subject Category: Management

Volume/Issue: 10/2 | Page No: 1064-1085

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-01-31

Accepted: 2026-02-09

Published: 2026-02-24

Abstract

This study examines the role of reverse logistics within the industrial sector of Coimbatore, focusing on optimizing return management, enhancing customer satisfaction, and promoting sustainable business practices. By pinpointing local challenges and potential strategic enhancements, this research offers practical insights into how reverse logistics can enhance customer loyalty and yield environmental advantages in this specific industrial setting. A descriptive study with a sample size of 269 is conducted in Coimbatore's e-commerce industry across food and beverages, apparel, electronics, and engineering sectors. Targeting logistics personnel, the study explores and focuses on five main variables: environment, return management, customer satisfaction, and performance effectiveness. Through statistical analysis, this research aims to identify significant factors impacting reverse logistics in these categories, offering insights into optimizing practices for improved customer and operational outcomes. The study highlights actionable measures that can improve operational performance and elevate customer satisfaction, all while cutting costs and promoting sustainability.

Keywords

Reverse logistics, Return Management, Customer Satisfaction, Business environment

Downloads

References

1. Adebayo, T. (2022). An evaluation of reverse logistics responsiveness and customer satisfaction in retailing. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 11(1), 93–98. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v11i1.1570 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ahmed, S., & Kumar, A. (2019). Value reclamation and waste reduction in reverse logistics. Green Logistics Quarterly, 5(2), 20–33. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ahsan, M. J., Khalid, M. H., & Iftikhar, A. (2022). Green-Lean Practices and Reverse Logistics: Evidence from Manufacturing Industry of a Developing Economy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ahmed, S. (2022). Sustainability tracking in AI-enhanced logistics: A corporate responsibility approach. Logistics Insights Journal, 12(3), 31–45. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Attia, A. (2021). The effect of information system on the reverse logistics performance. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 20(2). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Balakrishnan, K., & Thomas, J. (2020). Reverse logistics practices in manufacturing: Lessons from Coimbatore. Manufacturing Management Journal, 7(5), 78–93. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Batrisyia, N. A., & Fernando, Y. (2024). Improving a Circular Reverse Logistics to Handle Product Return: Insights From A Global Electronics Services Provider. International Journal of Industrial Management, 18(2), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijim.18.2.2024.10831 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bhardwaj, R. (2021). AI advancements in the Indian logistics sector: Streamlining supply chain processes. Journal of Indian Logistics, 10(2), 87–102. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Biz Community. (2020). Distribution companies South Africa. Viewed 15 November 2021, from https://www.bizcommunity.com/Companies/196/553.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Bogataj, M., & Grubbström, R. W. (2013). Transportation delays in reverse logistics. International Journal of Production Economics, 143(2), 395–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2011.12.007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Chouinard, M., D’Amours, S., & Aït-Kadi, D. (2005). Integration of reverse logistics activities within a supply chain information system. Computers in Industry, 56(1), 105–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2004.07.005 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Choudhary, L., & Iyer, P. (2021). Automated quality control in reverse logistics: Benefits of AI-based inspection systems. International Journal of Supply Chain Innovation, 8(5), 74–88. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Das, R., & Bhattacharya, P. (2023). The role of AI in enhancing reverse logistics efficiencies. Journal of Supply Chain Innovation, 6(1), 42–58. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Dat, L. Q., Truc Linh, D. T., Chou, S. Y., & Yu, V. F. (2012). Optimizing reverse logistic costs for recycling end-of-life electrical and electronic products. Expert Systems with Applications, 39(7), 6380–6387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2011.12.031 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Desai, A. (2020). Predictive analytics in reverse logistics for cost optimization. Logistics Review, 7(4), 59–70. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Ferraro, S., Cantini, A., Leoni, L., & de Carlo, F. (2023). Sustainable Logistics 4.0: A Study on Selecting the Best Technology for Internal Material Handling. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097067 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Foo, Y. J., & Abdul Jalil, E. E. (2021). Strategic Planning of Reverse Logistics System Among Omnichannel Companies: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Technology and Operations Management, 16(2), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.32890/jtom2021.16.2.5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Hwang, S. O., Üster, H., & Savaskan-Ebert, R. C. (2023). Reverse channel selection for commercial product returns under time-to-market and product value considerations. Annals of Operations Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05196-7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Jeszka, A. M. (2014). Returns management in the supply chain. LogForum, 10(3), 295–304. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Khan, T., & Reddy, S. (2023). Sustainability and efficiency in India’s reverse logistics sector: Recent advancements. Journal of Environmental Supply Chains, 15(3), 101–118. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Kinyanjui Njuguna, E., & Kagiri, D. A. (n.d.). Effect of Reverse Logistics on Operational Performance of Bata Shoe Company. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 5. www.researchpublish.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Krikke, H. R., Kooi, E. J., & Schuur, P. E. (1999). Network Design in Reverse Logistics: A Quantitative Model. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Krishnan, H., & Nair, A. (2022). AI adoption in Coimbatore’s reverse logistics industry: Aligning with global standards. Indian Journal of Industrial Technology, 9(2), 45–60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Kumar, S., & Verma, P. (2020). Reverse logistics in the Indian textile industry: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 12(2), 89–105. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Mehta, L. (2022). Understanding reverse logistics: Managing returns and recycling in supply chains. Logistics Insight, 10(6), 35–49. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Mehidi, S. H., Chakrabarty, N., Barua, A., & Bhowmick, T. (2014). Integration of Reverse Logistics Network into an in-Plant Recycling Process: A Case Study of Steel Industry. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Milichovský, F. (2016). Relationship of reverse logistics and marketing communication in Czech Republic. Trends Economics and Management, 10(26), 48. https://doi.org/10.13164/trends.2016.26.48 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Mishra, S., & Singh, S. P. (2022). Designing dynamic reverse logistics network for post-sale service. Annals of Operations Research, 310(1), 89–118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03710-9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Monnagaaratwe, K. F., & Mathu, K. (2022). Supply chain management as a competitive advantage for grocery small and medium-sized enterprises in Mahikeng, South Africa. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 16. https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v16i0.791 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Motte, D., Bjärnemo, R., & Jönson, G. (2007). Defining a strategy of integration of packaging development into product development (Vol. 42). http://www.designsociety.org/publication/25674/defining_a_strategy_of_integration_of_packaging_development_i [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Muha, R. (2019). An overview of the problematic issues in logistics cost management. Pomorstvo, 33(1), 102–109. https://doi.org/10.31217/p.33.1.11 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Nanayakkara, P. R., Jayalath, M. M., Thibbotuwawa, A., & Perera, H. N. (2022). A circular reverse logistics framework for handling e-commerce returns. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clscn.2022.100080 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Nair, V., & Rao, D. (2019). Reverse logistics and customer satisfaction: A strategic approach. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Nair, V., & Pillai, J. (2021). Customer service advancements in reverse logistics using AI chatbots. Logistics Innovation Journal, 6(4), 27–39. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Oom Do Valle, P., Menezes, J., Reis, E., & Rebelo, E. (2009). Reverse logistics for recycling: The customer service determinants. Journal of Business Science and Applied Management, 4(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Oko, A. E. N., & Anayo, D. N. (2013). Reverse Logistics Management and Environmental Sustainability Drive in Nigeria (Study of the Food and Drink Industries). International Journal of Business and Management, 8(16). https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v8n16p54 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Patel, R., & Gupta, M. (2021). Enhancing profitability and sustainability through reverse logistics: A Coimbatore perspective. Journal of Global Logistics, 8(3), 45–62. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Phuong, N. H. (2019). A Short Communication on Reverse Logistics Role in the Supply Chain. Information Management and Computer Science, 2(1), 10–14. https://doi.org/10.26480/imcs.01.2019.10.14 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Puranik, A. (2023). Crowd Wisdom vs in-House Expertise: A Comprehensive Analysis of Quality Assurance Approaches. International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Engineering, 31, 36–47. https://doi.org/10.55529/ijitc.31.36.47 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Rajan, S., & Iyer, M. (2021). Sustainable supply chain practices: The rise of reverse logistics in India. Environmental Supply Chain Journal, 9(4), 100–118. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Raj, S., & Sharma, K. (2019). India’s logistics growth: A decade of transformation. Journal of Indian Economic Development, 8(3), 89–105. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Rodríguez-Garcia, M., Bas, A. O., Prado-Prado, J. C., & Lyons, A. (2023). Fulfillment costs in online grocery retailing: Comparing retail store and warehouse strategies. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering, 11(2), 127–145. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2023.18442 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Sharma, A. (2022). The evolving importance of reverse logistics in modern supply chains. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Singh, T., & Choudhary, A. (2023). AI-driven optimization in reverse logistics: Benefits and applications. Logistics and AI Review, 15(1), 13–29. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Sharma, R., & Das, L. (2023). Reverse logistics in supply chain management: The Indian perspective. Journal of Sustainable Logistics, 10(4), 100–116. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Srinivasan, G., & Kumar, A. (2022). Demand forecasting and inventory management in AI-driven logistics. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 12(6), 71–83. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Saxena, M., & Menon, S. (2020). Reverse logistics and sustainable practices in India’s industrial landscape. Green Logistics Quarterly, 7(2), 22–38. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Thu, H. T. T., Nguyen, K. H., Vu, M. H., & Cong, P. T. (2024). Impact of reverse logistics on customer satisfaction: A research on e-commerce platforms in Vietnam. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(5). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Trevisan, A. H., Guzzo, D., Fernandes, S. da C., Rozenfeld, H., Rossi, M., & Mascarenhas, J. (2021). Stakeholders responsibilities in reverse logistics of product-service systems: Towards circular economy in the healthcare industry. Product Management & Development, 19(2), e20210009. https://doi.org/10.4322/pmd.2021.010 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Yu, H., Sun, X., Solvang, W. D., & Zhao, X. (2020). Reverse logistics network design for effective management of medical waste in epidemic outbreaks: Insights from COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051770 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Wang, D.-S., & Koo, T.-Y. (2010). Inventory Management Practices Approach to Reverse Logistics. IEMS, 9(4). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Wijewickrama, M. K. C. S., Chileshe, N., Rameezdeen, R., & Ochoa, J. J. (2022). Information Processing for Quality Assurance in Reverse Logistics Supply Chains: An Organizational Information Processing Theory Perspective. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095493 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles