3D printing the future: scenarios for supply chains reviewed

Ryan, Michael J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8104-0121, Eyers, Daniel R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5499-0116, Potter, Andrew T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3157-9735, Purvis, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1425-5894 and Gosling, Jonathan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9027-9011 2017. 3D printing the future: scenarios for supply chains reviewed. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management 47 (10) , pp. 992-1014. 10.1108/IJPDLM-12-2016-0359

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Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to evaluate existing scenarios for 3D Printing in order to identify the “white space” where future opportunities have not been proposed or developed to date. Based around aspects of order penetration points, geographical scope and type of manufacturing, these gaps are identified. Design/methodology/approach: A structured literature review has been carried out on both academic and trade publications. As of the end of May 2016, this identified 128 relevant articles containing 201 future scenarios. Coding these against aspects of existing manufacturing and supply chain theory has led to the development of a framework for identify “white space” in existing thinking. Findings: The coding shows that existing future scenarios are particularly concentrated on job shop applications and pull based supply chain processes, although there are fewer constraints on geographical scope. Five distinct areas of “white space” are proposed, reflecting various opportunities for future 3DP supply chain development. Research limitations: Being a structured literature review, there are potentially articles not identified through the search criteria used. The nature of the findings is also dependent upon the coding criteria selected. However, these are theoretically derived and reflect important aspect of strategic supply chain management. Practical implications: Practitioners may wish to explore the development of business models within the “white space” areas. Originality/value: Currently, existing future 3DP scenarios are scattered over a wide, multi-disciplinary literature base. By providing a consolidated view of these scenarios, it is possible to identify gaps in current thinking. These gaps are multidisciplinary in nature and represent opportunities for both academics and practitioners to exploit.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management T Technology > TS Manufactures
Publisher:	Emerald
ISSN:	0960-0035
Funders:	Cardiff Business School
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 November 2017
Date of Acceptance:	3 August 2017
Last Modified:	20 May 2024 21:05
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/103561

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