CHAPTER SIXThe Impact of 3D Printing on the Supply Chain
Today's supply chains are facing a fast-changing landscape of economic and demand pressures. The world of Henry Ford, with its mass production of things that came in “any color, so long as it's black,” has all but disappeared into the mists of time. Other than continuing to want the best price possible, today's customers are very different from those of the past:
- They want more customization and personalization from their products.
- They have a far lower tolerance for waiting, be it for new designs or things to arrive at their doorstep or operations.
- They change what they want faster than ever, so product lifecycles are shorter than they used to be.
- They are more likely to compare offerings and negotiate, looking to increase the value of what they get.
Together these result in more complex demand forecasts, which can quickly balloon into ever more bloated inventories and higher obsolescence costs. Supply chains need to be more responsive and agile, which has led to the emergence of several solutions, techniques, and tools. Today's supply chains increasingly use automation, from robots in manufacture to robotic process “bots” and intelligent agents, to increase productivity, reduce work adding no value, and lowering error rates. They employ data analytics to identify issues before they become problems, to optimize operations, and to offer their customers an advantage where even the most marginal benefit is sought. As supply ...