Impact of additive manufacturing on supply chain network structures –an exploratory case study analysis

Purpose: This paper demonstrates that additive manufacturing (AM), as a technological driver, has the potential to change the structural composition of entire supply chains. The research comprises a first, systematic analysis about the impact of AM on the network structures in engineer-to-order supply chains.

Research Approach: The paper pursues an inductive research approach. Building on contingency theory as well as on general systems theory, and using extensive case studies from the medical industry, the implications of AM technology adoption on supply chain configurations are explored. The scope of the supply chains considered during the empirical analysis encompasses suppliers (i.e. material or machine suppliers), the focal firms (i.e. medical device manufacturers), and their customers (i.e. business customers and consumers). The qualitative investigations focus on the potential effects on the composition of the supply chain members, the structural dimensions of the network, as well as the different types of business process links across the supply chain. Contingency variables are identified, which constitute the context of supply chain configuration.

Findings and Originality: The findings underpin that AM can be regarded as a technological driver for SCM. It is shown how AM technology adoption in engineer-to-order production may impact the network structure of supply chains. Not only the composition of the supply chain members and the structural dimensions of the network are likely to be altered due to AM technology usage, but also the types of business process links among the different agents. The research suggests that the effects of AM on supply chain configuration are context-dependent, with endogenous and supply chain-related factors being relevant groups of contingency factors.

Research Impact: The study provides novel insights in the supply chain implications of AM, a still widely unexplored research field. It constructs a conceptual framework, which visualizes different context-dependent deployment alternatives for AM in engineer-to-order supply chains.

Practical Impact: The findings could influence managerial decision-making concerning new manufacturing processes. Companies should be aware that switching to AM may create a need to reconsider the design and the firm’s positioning within the supply chain.