3D printing: enabling customer-centricity in the supply chain. (22nd March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinelli, Elisa Martina; Christopher, Martin
• Is Part Of: International journal of value chain management. Volume 10:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2019-03-22
• Subjects: supply chain -- SC -- supply chain management -- SCM -- value co-creation -- value co-creation network -- network reconfiguration -- 3D printing -- additive manufacturing -- AM -- customer-centric; Business logistics -- Periodicals; 658.7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-5357

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is used for multiple purposes in many fields and it is attracting attention, both academically and managerially, in the context of a customer-centric approach to supply chain management. The purpose of this paper is to explore how 3DP enables supply chain customer-centricity through value co-creation by the analysis of a case study, the manufacture of an innovative 3D printed component in the aerospace sector. The research highlights that: 1) the usage of 3DP enables the adoption of an external customer-centric supply chain orientation drawing on four sources of value co-creation; 2) value co-creation network based on 3DP requires a particular form of collaboration and coordination, bringing specific benefits for all the partners involved. A conceptual framework, leading to propositions, is developed identifying the elements of a customer-centric supply chain based on the principles of co-creation. Finally, theoretical and managerial implications and future research directions are outlined.