3D Printing - To print or not to print? Aspects to consider before adoption - A supply chain perspective

3D printing is believed by many to be the next industrial revolution. The technology is already deployed in production. However, supply chain literature is still in its infancy regarding this topic, despite 3D printings radical impact on supply chains. A framework has been developed to assess various aspects that need to be considered when deploying such technology as part of the production process. Literature has been drawn from cross-discipline (e.g. social sciences, engineering, and business). The challenge for businesses will be whether to incur the cost impact today or the opportunity cost of tomorrow if 3D printing is not adopted

Manufacturing in Australia – An explorative investigation of innovation capability enhancements using value stream thinking

Supply chains and supply chain management continue to increase in importance, with research showing that it is supply chains that compete today, rather than individual businesses (Christopher, 2011). Supply chain management in the Australian manufacturing industry is of particular importance due to the challenges and changes being faced by manufacturing. This includes but is not limited to, declining employment figures and the decreasing percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) attributed to manufacturing, the recent closures, downsizing and offshoring of manufacturing, including the closure of automotive production plants, and downsizing of a major employer and steel manufacturer which is integral to its region as well as Australia, and the shift towards more advanced manufacturing methods with the introduction of Industry 4.0 in recent times. Manufacturing has been found to be of strategic and economic importance to the nation in which it is situated, attributed to higher standards of living, educational benefits, security, as well as being a source of competitive advantage, and foundation for innovation. The challenges faced by manufacturing have impacted on organisations large and small, including their immediate supply chains as well as those of their suppliers. Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a large share of all businesses in Australia and provide a significant contribution to the nation through productivity, employment, and importantly, sources of innovation in which to compete. Innovation and innovative capability are imperative for businesses to compete today, and can be achieved through multiple ways such as through the introduction of innovative technology, products and processes. Also established in literature as being of importance is that of the state of supply chains, including their level of integration and maturity. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the state of supply chain maturity and innovation capability enhancement in Australian SMES in the manufacturing industry, through the adoption of innovative technology and processes. This research begins by addressing a gap in literature through conducting an exploratory investigation into the state of supply chain maturity in Australian manufacturing SMEs. The Quick Scan Audit Methodology (QSAM), which uses mixed methods of data collection and multiple forms of triangulation, including data, researcher and method, was used in this research. Low supply chain maturity levels were discovered in the value streams of the SMEs included in this research, corresponding with international findings, revealing the need for strong supply chain management and the link between supply chain maturity levels, systems uncertainty and innovative capability. These findings provided context and a foundation for this research

The adoption process and impact of additive manufacturing on manufacturing systems

Purpose - Company pressure for manufacturers is mounting from two angles: Increasing pressure of global competition, and rapid advancements in technology such as additive manufacturing (AM) that are altering the way that goods are manufactured. The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption process of AM within a manufacturing system and its business impact. Design/methodology/approach - Research was conducted to collect empirical data at two manufacturing case companies in the North West England. Both cases are located in areas of industrial recovery using AM engineering innovation for value creation. Findings - Early findings showed that the implementation of AM caused a shift in value propositions and the creation of additional value streams (VSs) for the case study companies. AM was shown to compliment and strengthen traditional manufacturing VSs rather than replacing them. Research limitations/implications - Limitations include the generalizability due to the number and location of case companies included in this research. Practical implications - It is worthwhile to explore the opportunities that AM brings with the existing customer base as it has the potential to add unexplored and untapped value. However, managers need to be mindful of the capability and resources required to put the VS into practice. Social implications - Both cases resulted in skill retainment and development due to the implementation of AM. Hence, the innovation contributed to regional economic recovery and business survival. Originality/value - This empirical research is one of the early field explorations focussing on the impact of AM on VS structures. Hence, this paper contributes to the area of technology enhanced manufacturing systems