Returning Thoughts

by Paul Rupnow

Reverse Logistics Magazine, May/June 2007

Reverse Logistics Professional Profile: John Osmer

Reverse Logistics Role: General Manager, Solectron Global Services, Milpitas, CA

Responsibilities: Leader of a fast growing aftermarket electronics service and repair team.

Path To Reverse Logistics: John has a diverse background that he draws upon for his role as team leader:

Manufacturing: In my college days I worked in an operation that manufactured Chevy Suburban doors, hoods and fenders.

Supply Chain Management: I completed my MBA in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University. I then worked in electronics manufacturing Materials and Procurement at Solectron.

People Skills: For my undergraduate degree I studied Political Science. I am constantly drawing on the lessons I learned on people organization, people interaction and how to encourage and support good ideas.

Planning: As a planner for new products, I was often responsible for planning the inventory required for replacement items and service contracts. I was always very surprised at the volume consumed. It was this curiosity that lead me into Reverse Logistics.

Reverse Logistics Pleasures: “Enabling something we can all appreciate: service after a sale. I enjoy Reverse Logistics when we are able to make peoples’ lives a lot easier than they expect”.

Biggest Reverse Logistics Challenge: “I am constantly striving for more certainty. My biggest challenge in reverse logistics is the uncertainty, such as trying to manage our repair operations production and output, when the main input, the returning items, do not break and are not returned for repair on a schedule.”

Escapes from Reverse Logistics: “When I am not enjoying my three young children, my free time activities seem to involve planning for uncertainty as well”. John is on the board of directors for his local fire department, helping to assess the appropriate plans, people and capabilities required for the uncertain environment of emergencies.

Most Amusing Reverse Logistics Experience: “We once received a box that contained the item for repair, a pair of eye glasses, medicine and a ten thousand dollar check from the sender's employer. Since the eye glasses and medicine were not our prescription, we figured the check was not intended for us either. We of course called the customer immediately and to his relief, sent all the items (including the repaired unit) back right away”.

Paul Rupnow writes about Reverse Logistics best practices, insights and strategies at ReverseLogisticsProfessional.com

Reverse Logistics Magazine, May/June 2007