
633Preparation for the Future
Process Technology
At the same time they are linking with supply chain partners, companies must continue to
develop their internal processes with the latest in technologies such as design modeling,
automated process control, laser technology nanotechnology, photonics, sensor technol-
ogy, smart materials, energy technologies, knowledge-based engineering for automation,
and simulated ows (Jain and Benyoucef 2008).
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is a new technology that offers amazing
possibilities to transform existing manufacturing processes. This is a process that could
have disruptive impact on supply ch ...