Gatekeeping in supply chain management refers to the control process used to determine whether returned goods should be restocked, refurbished, recycled, or discarded. This is especially relevant in reverse logistics, where managing returns efficiently can significantly affect profitability. Effective gatekeeping involves clear return policies, inspection protocols, and decision rules based on product condition, demand, and cost-effectiveness. Proper gatekeeping reduces unnecessary restocking of non-sellable items and helps maintain inventory accuracy and warehouse space utilization.
