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3D printing strategic deployment: the supply chain perspective

Braziotis, Christos

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Abstract

Purpose – The emergence and application of 3D Printing (3DP) is changing the way products are developed and reach the customer, allowing for unprecedented customisation options. Past research has focused on the modus operandi of the technology, providing indications for wider future adoption. 3DP is predicted to complement current production processes and is anticipated to have a profound effect on the value chain, and therefore, on Supply Chain (SC) management. Management-related 3DP research has, however, been largely fragmented in terms of analysing the strategic deployment of 3DP and the corresponding effects on performance objectives. Design/methodology – The approach taken is a critical literature review, synthesizing and interpreting past research on cross-industry deployment of 3DP, including illustrative examples. This enabled the development of a framework of current stage knowledge. Findings – Building on past research we propose a conceptual framework to be used as a classification system for 3DP operations, based on process and SC level configurations across different industries. We discuss the potential impact on operations performance objectives and then highlight research gaps, proposing specific research avenues to enhance understanding of the effects of 3DP adoption on SCs. Practical implications – The proposed framework outlines strategic guidelines for 3DP and provides practitioners with the range of strategic options available for 3DP deployment and anticipated impacts on performance. Originality/Value – The framework can be used to map 3DP deployment at an operational level and to identify the likely impact on performance objectives. Relevant implications and a future research agenda are explored.

Citation

Braziotis, C. (2019). 3D printing strategic deployment: the supply chain perspective. Supply Chain Management, 24(3), 397-404. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-09-2017-0305

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 28, 2018
Online Publication Date Feb 7, 2019
Publication Date 2019
Deposit Date Nov 27, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Supply Chain Management
Print ISSN 1359-8546
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 24
Issue 3
Pages 397-404
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-09-2017-0305
Keywords SCM framework; strategy; operations
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1310052
Publisher URL https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/SCM-09-2017-0305

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