Proposal of Closed Loop Supply Chain Model for Medical Oxygen Cylinders

A closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) is a supply chain management system that integrates forward logistics (from production to consumer) and reverse logistics (from consumer back to the manufacturer or appropriate disposal facilities). The goal of a CLSC is to maximize the value extracted from a product by ensuring that it is reused, re manufactured, recycled, or properly disposed of after its initial use. Oxygen cylinders, critical for healthcare services, require rigorous control in their distribution, usage, and return processes to ensure uninterrupted supply and compliance with health standards. The project involves analyzing the existing supply chain of A company in Kochuveli using data obtained through discussions and identifying bottlenecks in the reverse logistics process, and developing optimised strategies for the efficient collection, inspection and redistribution of oxygen cylinders. The major problems faced by this supply chain are Logistics Complexity, Data Management and Technology, Supply Chain Disruptions, Sustainability Concerns and Economic Viability. The project plans to study the existing supply chain and do comprehensive analysis of current supply chain operations, identification of potential recovery strategies, and the design of an optimized CLSC model. The various tools that can be used to solve the problems are Vehicle routing, Facility layout, Optimised path layout, Transportation analysis and Linear programming,ant colony optimization algorithm and other mathematical theorems. The expected outcomes are supposed to be increased efficiency and cost savings, enhanced sustainability, data driven decision making,optimized route and fleet management.