TY - GEN
T1 - Implications of 3D Printing on Physical Distribution in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
AU - Brandtner, Patrick
AU - Zimmermann, Robert
AU - Allmendinger, Jessika
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
PY - 2023/7/30
Y1 - 2023/7/30
N2 - 3D printing is a technology expected to have a huge impact on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) and especially on physical distribution. The aim of the paper is to elaborate on the implications and benefits of 3D printing for (i) physical distribution strategies and processes, (ii) the role of the logistics service provider (LSP), and (iii) the connected processes of warehousing, picking and transport. By means of expert interviews, we analyze these implications and derive a set of impacts and potential future implications of 3D printing in LSCM. Our results show that experts expect huge potential from this type of technology. Experts agree that global transport can significantly be reduced in the future. However, it currently is limited in terms of handling large amounts of batch sizes and volumes as it is not designed for mass production. Furthermore, 3D printing will most likely take place in centralized and decentralized sites managed by companies or LSPs. The placement of 3D printers in private homes is currently not seen as a realistic option on a larger scale. As in current distribution approaches, LSPs will also play an important role in 3D printing-based distribution in the future. Experts expect them to offer corresponding business models (as e.g., print on demand) in the future. In conclusion, the importance of 3D printing as an alternative product method impacting LSCM will continue to rise.
AB - 3D printing is a technology expected to have a huge impact on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) and especially on physical distribution. The aim of the paper is to elaborate on the implications and benefits of 3D printing for (i) physical distribution strategies and processes, (ii) the role of the logistics service provider (LSP), and (iii) the connected processes of warehousing, picking and transport. By means of expert interviews, we analyze these implications and derive a set of impacts and potential future implications of 3D printing in LSCM. Our results show that experts expect huge potential from this type of technology. Experts agree that global transport can significantly be reduced in the future. However, it currently is limited in terms of handling large amounts of batch sizes and volumes as it is not designed for mass production. Furthermore, 3D printing will most likely take place in centralized and decentralized sites managed by companies or LSPs. The placement of 3D printers in private homes is currently not seen as a realistic option on a larger scale. As in current distribution approaches, LSPs will also play an important role in 3D printing-based distribution in the future. Experts expect them to offer corresponding business models (as e.g., print on demand) in the future. In conclusion, the importance of 3D printing as an alternative product method impacting LSCM will continue to rise.
KW - 3D printing
KW - Additive manufacturing
KW - Logistics
KW - Physical distribution
KW - Supply chain management
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85174688190&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/978-981-99-3091-3_53
DO - 10.1007/978-981-99-3091-3_53
M3 - Conference contribution
SN - 9789819930906
T3 - Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
SP - 641
EP - 653
BT - Proceedings of 8th International Congress on Information and Communication Technology - ICICT 2023
A2 - Yang, Xin-She
A2 - Sherratt, R. Simon
A2 - Dey, Nilanjan
A2 - Joshi, Amit
ER -