Geodis launches two complementary returns solutions to optimize reverse logistics experience for customers

GEODIS  announced the launch of two new returns solutions: a returns workflow automation module to simplify the customer initiation process and a returns management module to optimize the handling of inventory once inside the warehouse. As the rate of returns continues to increase industry-wide largely as a byproduct of e-Commerce growth, GEODIS is introducing the new solutions to meet demand as retailers seek to improve their reverse logistics strategies. The best-in-class solutions are intended to be leveraged together to enhance the overall product returns cycle, but the modules can also operate independently.

The returns workflow automation module is a user-friendly, self-service portal that allows the end consumer to easily create a return shipping label to initiate the return or exchange without requiring the shipper’s involvement. This label generation serves as the advanced shipping notice for GEODIS to receive the product, eliminating the need for it to be manually created in the warehouse management system. The technology was designed to enhance the returns experience for both GEODIS customers and the end consumer by improving speed, reducing cycle time and optimizing costs.

As a cloud-native solution, the consumer-centric software integrates with popular e-Commerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce and Magento to provide end-to-end visibility throughout all stages of the process from returns creation to product disposition to refund. GEODIS clients can personalize the portal with their own branding elements including logos, colors, fonts and messaging. The highly configurable solution also empowers clients to customize returns policies according to their specific requirements, driving consistency in the customer experience. Additionally, the new solution features advanced and configurable reporting capabilities. Through a multilingual portal that supports English, Spanish and Portuguese, GEODIS clients based in the U.S., Canada and Latin America ultimately have access to a localized returns experience for consumers.

“As e-Commerce has surged in recent years, the topic of returns has become business critical for our clients to optimize efficiency, profitability and the overall customer experience,” said Pal Narayanan, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer at GEODIS in Americas. “We designed our new returns modules to be highly adaptable and scalable to cater to our clients’ wide range of needs to help enhance their reverse logistics strategies to have an advantage in today’s quickly evolving landscape.”

The complementary returns management module was designed to optimize the reverse logistics process inside the warehouse following product initiation. Once a return is received, the module quickly assesses the product and its value. From there, the item is categorized as suitable to reintroduce to inventory, refurbish or discard due to damage. Retailers can customize how items should be classified and processed within the module to align with their returns strategies.

The module also offers critical, real-time visibility into inventory levels along with robust reporting capabilities, such as SKU-level insights that can identify which products are returned most frequently to identify potential issues. The module’s reporting capabilities can help enhance a retailer’s overall operations, including sustainability efforts, by identifying consumer returns patterns and trends. For example, data-driven insights can assist retailers in stocking more efficiently, determining which returns are suitable to re-enter inventory to decrease the unnecessary disposal of items, and identifying product issues to lower the likelihood of returns (reducing associated emissions and packaging materials).

Both the returns workflow automation module and returns management module are now available to GEODIS contract logistics and transportation customers in the Americas region.