In structuring its supply chains, the industrial manufacturing sector has taken paths that leave it open to attack. The effects of pandemics, climatic disasters, etc. clearly show the dependencies and weak points today. With these findings, the questions about alternatives move into the focus of the discussion. With distributed production, additive manufacturing technology provides answers to various scenarios.
Our Distributed Production Experience Understand and Establish the Supply Chain of the Future
Why is the Investment Worthwhile? More Security, More Success with Distributed Production
Vulnerability: Production slowdown or cancellation due to plant closures. Automotive, electronics, household goods, meatpacking — you name it, and it likely had to shut down temporarily in recent months.
Solution: 3D printing. Lower inventory and production costs, cut shipping costs, quicken delivery times, provide faster, on-demand customer experiences, eliminate middlemen in their supply chain resellers and long-distance carriers.
Regardless of the crisis, 86 % of companies plan to raise more funds for additive manufacturing. The high level of investment in 3D printing is also reflected in the positive impact of its adoption, with over half of companies using 3D printing increasing productivity (56 %), reducing costs (52 %), and expanding their product range (51 %).
3D printing is now able to take root. It takes the exceptional to make companies rethink concepts. More independent parts sourcing, more robust supply chains, and reduced inventory levels are all criteria that can play a greater role once the crisis is over.
Distributed Production Custom-Fit 3D Printing and Digitalization in 3 Scenarios
Combining industrial 3D printing with digital manufacturing structures allows machines and software systems to be networked to control production at globally distributed locations. However, the extent to which distributed production is to be used must be individually defined based on the company's situation and strategy.
Do you want to build a global 3D printing manufacturing operation?
Do you want to establish local production?
Do you want to use individual 3D printing machines?
• Set up a future proven business based on Scan-to-Product workflow
• Establish a sustainable production using the most flexible manufacturing technology
• Profit from resilient and transparent supply chains
• Seamless integration of AM systems into the overall production planning
• Get insights on machine utilization to optimize job planning
• Be informed anytime from anywhere
• Rely on repeatable part quality only made possible by EOS systems and materials & software
• Intuitive data preparation and process management
• Maximize the outcome of applications via process consulting
When the Supply Chain Starts to Falter It’s Time for Reflection. It’s Time to Rethink
Our new expert paper by Dr. Marius Lakomiec provides an overview of the ways in which distributed production can be realized with additive manufacturing structures and digital networking. It also shows what the digital value-added chain for small and medium-sized series looks like - including a sample calculation of the return on investment. The fact that all this is not just theory is illustrated in the last section Use Cases from various industries.
