Impact of Additive Manufacturing on Supply Chain Network Structure

Abstract

Purpose of this paper: To empirically ground the networked use of additive manufacturing. Research directs attention to the impact of additive manufacturing on network structure and the degree to which additive manufacturing can be considered as a disruptive innovation.

Design/methodology/approach: This is a research study of different Norwegian firms and their use of additive manufacturing, either advanced or at a trail stage. The study encompasses interviews of 15 companies including observations of some of these companies. The research seeks through a series of qualitative interviews to detect company history of using 3D printing tools, its current use and future prospects as perceived by various informants. The research is founded in supply chain management literature providing focus on how companies integrate to collaborate and coordinate production processes in an industrial network. Proximity to customers is a key analytical factor in the studied networks to facilitate co-creation. This implies considering new business models focusing on proximity in business relationships as a key factor associated with organizing supply.

Findings: Fifteen detailed companies case study is provided. This shows that additive manufacturing is still in its infancy technologically and use is limited. It can at this point in time not be considered as a disruptive innovation due to its current limited use in the supply chain of the studied firms.

Value: The study develops a research approach considering use of additive manufacturing in the supply chain thus laying empirically founded grounds for further research on this is type of technological innovation in industry.