Contribution of Additive Manufacturing Systems to Supply Chain

The current economic pressures have been challenging manufacturing SMEs that play a complicated role in the Supply Chain (SC); and innovation in the manufacturing supply chain which requires new approaches and technologies. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is considered by research studies as pioneering and disruptive technology that can drive such a transformation. This paper is aimed at investigating in what measures can additive manufacturing techniques adopted as an opportunity for the supply chain in SMEs. Initially, the literature review looks into needs and challenges of SMEs in the SC identifying solutions and strategies. The research further analyses AM's impact on the supply chain, evaluating benefits and drawbacks that AM delivers in this context. IT aims to examine the use of strategic maps, analytical tools and suitable tactical paths to implement and integrate this technology within supply chain. The paper describes the potential effects of the open sources networks and hence argues that a gradual integration of AM with traditional technologies is a plausible way for small manufacturers. However, there are several innovative approaches, and this scenario is rapidly evolving. Material and machines costs reduction could deliver significant changes. Therefore, further and updated investigations from a supply chain perspective are recommended, especially looking at practical cases and examples for this study within this context.