International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Reverse logistics processes generate significant logistics costs if not optimized continuously and are often being undetermined. Logistics companies emphasize the necessity for optimization and process uniformization to its highest possible extent, while disadvantages as process duration, educated personnel, and unsatisfied consumers are reverse logistics barriers. For the paper research, the focus has been directed to reverse logistics process analysis at the location of a supplier on the Republic of Croatia logistics market. The case study consists of highlighting reverse logistics issues, on-site analysis, and possibilities to optimize time-consuming processes. Analysis has been provided throughout time measurement of individual reverse logistics process with suggestions for optimization.

Bulgaria is considerably lagging behind the general trends in the EU for the introduction of a digital society and it is therefore necessary to adopt specific measures and to focus efforts on overcoming the lagging behind. Creating the right conditions for the introduction of Industry 4.0 will support, on the one hand, the competitiveness of production and attracting investment in the economy and, on the other, will help to increase efficiency in optimal resource use. The aim of the study is to reveal the possibilities for digital transformation of the Bulgarian business and to give recommendations for process transformation, using adequate strategic tools. The results of the study show that investment and innovation in IT are a key factor in boosting productivity in the EU and it is expected that three quarters of the value of the digital economy will come from traditional sectors (industry), so it is crucial to support its digital transformation.