Make to Demand with 3-D Printing: The Next Big Thing in Inventory Management?

This case study examines how brand-new 3-D printing technologies could eliminate the need for companies to maintain vast inventories of critical spare parts, enabling these parts to be created when needed and dramatically lowering costs. It introduces the technologies involved; shows how 3-D printing has emerged and evolved; assesses cost obstacles; and encourages students and practitioners to consider drawbacks, benefits, and applications. Authors: Tom McNamara, ESC-Rennes; Erika Marsillac, Old Dominion University.