International Journal of Advancements in Technology
Open Access

Game changer or threat: The impact of logistics vendor adoption of 3D printing on the supply chain

2^nd International Conference on 3D Printing Technology and Innovations

March 19-20, 2018 | London, UK

Hui Lu, Yu Xiong and Gendao Li

Northumbria University, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Int J Adv Technol

Abstract :

We present a model to study the impact of 3D printing (3DP) adoption by the logistic vendor on the supply chain. Specifically, we consider a logistics vendor, the goods delivery provider of the traditional manufactured (TM) product, sells higher customization level 3DP product to compete with the traditional manufacturer at the same time. By comparing the TM and the new 3DP manufacturing system, we find that the logistics vendor can benefit from the 3DP adoption and use it as a game changer to restructure the supply chain. We identify the conditions under which the logistics vendor can avail this 3DP adoption as a threat to influence the traditional system for more financial benefits. We also analyse the impact of this 3DP adoption on consumer surplus and provide additional insights on how both the manufacturer and the logistics vendor can better manage this 3DP adoption towards cost reduction and product customization level selection. h.lu@northumbria.ac.uk