The impact of additive manufacturing on supply chains

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 954-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian F. Durach ◽  
Stefan Kurpjuweit ◽  
Stephan M. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Supply Chain Structure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Am Processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer empirical insights on emerging additive manufacturing (AM) processes, barriers to their adoption and a timeline of expected impacts on the supply chain in the manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach A multi-stage survey study was conducted with a panel of 16 experts from industry and academia. Findings Only five out of today’s seven AM processes are of future importance, as are two emerging key processes. In total, 15 barriers to their adoption are identified, all of which are expected to be gone within ten years. Eight propositions are derived postulating as to whether and when supply chain impacts can be expected in terms of changes to supply chain structure, customer centricity, logistics and supply chain capability. Research limitations/implications “Soft” barriers are new to the literature, which has traditionally focused on “technical” barriers. Often-discussed barriers such as production speed and costs do not reflect the true concerns of the research panel. Furthermore, some of the supply chain implications discussed in both the academic literature and the media are found to be unlikely to materialize. Practical implications The study summarizes AM processes, technologies, barriers and supply chain implications solicited from experts in the field. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to make empirical contributions to a vastly conceptual discussion. It is also the first study to give insights on a timeline for barriers and supply chain implications.

Why worker-supported collective bargaining may still fail

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 471-491
Author(s):  
Siqi Luo ◽  
Tao Yang
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Collective Bargaining ◽  
Industrial Structure ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Level ◽  
Systematic Understanding ◽  
Supply Chain Structure ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that some enterprise unions in South China, as strategic labor actors, made local progress in collective bargaining, but further elaborates on why gainful bargaining would require a more systematic understanding of the prevailing industrial structure. Design/methodology/approach This paper is mainly drawn from intensive site visits and 51 in-depth interviews in 2013 and 2014, and several follow-ups up to 2018. Three cases of collective bargaining, featuring different union strategies of assertive negotiation, informal cooperation and direct confrontation, are discussed in detail. Findings The study illustrates that viable collective bargaining with worker-supported unions is possible in China. However, the effectiveness of bargaining does not count on this alone; the supply chain structure also imposes significant constraints, mainly by narrowing the bargaining scope of each supplier and differentiating the structural power of their unions. In these cases, institutionalized union coordination beyond individual suppliers is proposed. Research limitations/implications These cases began as post-strike bargaining in Japanese auto supply chains and became the frontier of industrial relations in China. The impact of the supply chain in different sectors or regions requires further study. Originality/value This paper draws attention to the effect of an “invisible” but increasingly significant factor, industrial structure, on enterprise-level collective bargaining in China, unlike many previous criticisms of unwillingness or incompetence among labor actors.

Impact of product originality and supply chain structure on market share in the pharmaceutical industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emre Göllü
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Market Share ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Management Perspective ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Supply Chain Structure ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of supply chain structure on market share and the differences between supply chain structures and market shares of companies in terms of product originality in the pharmaceutical industry. Design/methodology/approach In the design of this research, survey methodology was selected to collect the data. Convenience sampling technique and, as data collection instrument, a questionnaire including dichotomous scales were utilized. Findings Obtained results showed that supply chain structures of pharmaceutical companies in Turkey have a significant impact on their market shares. Other results indicate that there are significant differences between both supply chain structures and market shares in terms of product originality. Research limitations/implications There are three limitations, namely, the study focused on only one sector, convenience sampling method was used in conjunction with Pareto approach and the study encompasses Turkey only. Practical implications Practitioners will benefit from this study through conceptualizing the impact of supply chain structure on market share and the relationships between these both and product originality in terms of creating competitive advantage. Originality/value The importance of this study lies on the investigation of supply chain structure with its impact on market share from supply chain management perspective and on the combination of the relationships between these both constructs and product originality as from management perspective in the pharmaceutical industry as first time.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis of Integrated Production-Inventory-Transportation Supply Chain Enabled by Additive Manufacturing

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Lei Di ◽  
Yiran Yang
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Integrated Production ◽  
Production Inventory ◽  
Supply Chain Structure

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM), owing to its unique layer-wise production method, can offer evident advantages comparing to traditional manufacturing (TM) technologies such as faster production, lower cost, and less waste. The uses of AM in rapid tooling, prototyping, and manufacturing have been innovating the current manufacturing industry from the process level to the entire supply chain. Most existing research on AM is focused on process improvement and new materials, largely neglecting the potential economic and environmental benefits enabled by AM supply chains. This research investigates an innovative supply chain structure, i.e., the integrated production-inventory-transportation (PIT) structure that is uniquely enabled by AM because of its capability of fabricating the entire product with less or even no need for assembly and labor involvement. This paper quantifies and compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of TM and AM-enabled PIT supply chains. The manufacturing industry is a major source of GHG emissions in the U.S., which therefore needs to be studied in order to explore opportunities for reducing GHG emissions for environmental protection. Case study results suggest that a potential reduction of 26.43% of GHG emissions can be achieved by adopting the AM-enabled PIT supply chain structure. Sensitivity analysis results show that a 20% variation in GHG emission intensity (the amount of CO2eq emissions caused by generating a unit of electricity) can lead to a 6.26% change in the total GHG emissions in the AM-enabled PIT supply chain.

The relationship between internal supply chain structure and operational performance: survey results from Japanese manufacturers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikihisa Nakano ◽  
Kazuki Matsuyama
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Properties ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Supply Chain Structure ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the roles of a supply chain management (SCM) department. To achieve that, this study empirically examines the relationship between internal supply chain structure and operational performance, using survey data collected from 108 Japanese manufacturers. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review of not only organizational theory but also other fields such as marketing, logistics management, operations management and SCM, this study focused on two structural properties, formalization and centralization and divided operational performance to firm-centric efficiency and customer-centric responsiveness. To examine the analytical model using these dimensions, this study conducted a structural equation modeling. Findings The correlation between centralization of operational tasks and centralization of strategic tasks, the impacts of centralization of both tasks on formalization and the effect of formalization on responsiveness performance were demonstrated. In addition, the reasons for formalization not positively influencing efficiency performance were explored through follow-up interviews. Practical implications Manufacturers need to formalize, as much as possible, a wide range of SCM tasks to realize operational excellence. To establish such formalized working methods, it is effective to centralize the authorities of both operational and strategic tasks in a particular department. In addition, inefficiency due to strict logistics service levels is a problem that all players involved in the supply chain of various industries should work together to solve. Originality/value The theoretical contribution of this study is that the authors established an empirical process that redefined the constructs of formalization and centralization, developed these measures and examined the impacts of these structural properties on operational performance.

Investigating the impact of inventory inaccuracy on the bullwhip effect in RFID-enabled supply chains using colored petri nets

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 360-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Drakaki ◽  
Panagiotis Tzionas
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Petri Nets ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
Colored Petri Nets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Serial Supply Chains

PurposeInformation distortion results in demand variance amplification in upstream supply chain members, known as the bullwhip effect, and inventory inaccuracy in the inventory records. As inventory inaccuracy contributes to the bullwhip effect, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of inventory inaccuracy on the bullwhip effect in radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled supply chains and, in this context, to evaluate supply chain performance because of the RFID technology.Design/methodology/approachA simulation modeling method based on hierarchical timed colored petri nets is presented to model inventory management in multi-stage serial supply chains subject to inventory inaccuracy for various traditional and information sharing configurations in the presence and absence of RFID. Validation of the method is done by comparing results obtained for the bullwhip effect with published literature results.FindingsThe bullwhip effect is increased in RFID-enabled multi-stage serial supply chains subject to inventory inaccuracy. The information sharing supply chain is more sensitive to the impact of inventory inaccuracy.Research limitations/implicationsInformation sharing involves collaboration in market demand and inventory inaccuracy, whereas RFID is implemented by all echelons. To obtain the full benefits of RFID adoption and collaboration, different collaboration strategies should be investigated.Originality/valueColored petri nets simulation modeling of the inventory management process is a novel approach to study supply chain dynamics. In the context of inventory errors, information on RFID impact on the dynamic behavior of multi-stage serial supply chains is provided.

Internet of Things – the future of managing supply chain risks

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendrik Sebastian Birkel ◽  
Evi Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Information Requirements ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications for supply chain risk management (SCRM) by applying internet of things (IoT). Therefore, the impact and effects on the SCRM process, as well as the internal and external pathway and the outcome of SCRM are examined. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a multiple case study methodology with twelve companies from the manufacturing industry. This study is guided by the information processing theory (IPT) and a theory-grounded research framework to provide insights into information requirements and information processing capabilities for IoT-supported SCRM. Findings The studied cases demonstrate an increase in data availability in the companies that contribute to improved process transparency and process management. Furthermore, the process steps, risk transparency, risk knowledge and risk strategies have been enhanced, which enabled improved SCRM performance by fitting information requirements and information processing capabilities, thus allowing for competitive advantage. Practical implications This study offers in-depth insights for SCRM managers into the structure of IoT systems, primary use cases and changes for the process itself. Furthermore, implications for employees, incentives and barriers are identified, which could be used to redesign SCRM. Originality/value This study addresses the requirement for additional empirical research on technology-enhanced SCRM, supported by IPT as a theoretical foundation. The radical change of SCRM by IoT is demonstrated while discussing the human role, implications for SCRM strategies and identifying relevant topics for future development.

The impact of implementing green supply chain management practices on corporate performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Younis ◽  
Balan Sundarakani ◽  
Prakash Vel
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Environmental Cooperation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Purchasing ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this research is to investigate the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and its impact on corporate performance (CP). The research in particular examines the results of implementing a set of GSCM practices on different dimensions of the CP. Design/methodology/approach This study, being the first of its kind in the Middle East, developed a research model to test the relationship between four main GSCM practices namely, eco-design, green purchasing, environmental cooperation and reverse logistics, and four dimensions of CP: operational performance, environmental performance, economic performance and social performance, while controlling three main variables (firm size, firm age and environment management system certification). Statistical analyses were based on the data collected, through survey questionnaires, from 117 firms in the manufacturing industry in the UAE. Reliability and validity of the research model were tested by the commonly accepted statistical tools. To test the hypotheses relating implementation of GSCM practice and CP, multiple regression analysis was used. Findings The finding of the study was that GSCM practices impact the CP dimensions differently. While none of the four GSCM practices were found to have any impact on the environmental performance, green purchasing and environmental cooperation were found to have a significant impact on the operational performance. The study found that only green purchasing plays a role in improving the economic performance, while only reverse logistics practices were found to impact the social performance of the firm positively. Research limitations/implications Research on GSCM is still in the nascent stage. Further refinement of the survey to differentiate between different manufacturing industries might be needed. Generalizability of the findings is also limited because of data collected from manufacturing firms in the UAE. This research provides important insights. The findings of this research are generally consistent with those of prior studies in other parts of the world. Firms in manufacturing industry in the UAE believe that GSCM practices help the company design and develop better products which, in turn, increase the company chances in selling its products in the international markets while, at same time, improving the average profit and market share. It was also found that the UAE firms believe that implementation of GSCM practices help improve the corporate image, enhance employees’ job satisfaction and improve employees’ health and safety. Practical implications Implementation of GSCM practices improves CP in different ways. Supply chain managers are required to decide on the CP dimension they want to improve and accordingly select the appropriate GSCM practices mix that leads to the desired level of improvement. Originality/value Although few earlier researches studied the impact of GSCM on CP, this study is different and makes a unique contribution by offering a holistic view of the impact of implementing four main GSCM practices on all dimensions of CP. The study offers some insights on the type of GSCM practices the firm needs to adopt to improve the targeted performance dimension.

Value of IT in supply chain planning

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Fuchs ◽  
Andreas Otto
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Continuous Production ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Planning ◽  
Production Flow ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Of It ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand value creation of information technology (IT) in supply chain planning (SCP). The impact of different IT components in SCP remains unclear and requires some thorough research. In addition, an analysis of the optimization dimension provides insights into intra-functional, inter-functional and cross-company optimization. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted among German companies using a continuous production flow. In total, 47 of 193 contacted companies completed the web survey, which corresponds to a response rate of 24 percent. Findings – IT functionality for SCP is widely spread. The value of IT functionality in SCP is tremendous. Implementations in demand fulfillment and available-to-promise (ATP) have the biggest value creation potential. Supply chain performance indicators can be improved by investments in certain functional domains. Packaged standard software is widely distributed and should be considered as the first option. IT functionality to improve intra-functional processes is significantly more often implemented than IT functionality for inter-functional or cross-company process optimization although the realized value is comparable. Research limitations/implications – Respondents of the survey are limited to the German continuous production flow industry. Future research could be interesting in the discrete manufacturing industry. Originality/value – The paper provides empirical insights into the value of IT in SCP where data are less available than in the ERP context. Furthermore, this paper provides first insights into the optimization dimension whether processes are optimized intra-functional, inter-functional or cross-company.

Demand-supply balancing in manufacturing operations

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 564-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joakim Coker ◽  
Petri Helo
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Chain Structure ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Chain Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Operations ◽  
Supply Chain Flexibility ◽  
Supply Chain Structure

Purpose – Demand-supply balancing (DSB) strategies and approaches are becoming increasingly important for manufacturing and operations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze practices of manufacturing companies and how they balance demand/supply in operations. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire-based interview has been conducted at 20 largest companies having manufacturing/operations in Finland. Findings – Supply chain structure, flexibility, demand management, capacity management, inventory management and revenue management are perceived as key practices for DSB. Research limitations/implications – The results show importance of supply chain-related parameters such as supply chain flexibility and inventory management in addition to production planning and control. The study is delimited to Finland companies but it gives an idea how decision making in operations generally can be perceived. Practical implications – DSB actions should be connected to operations strategy and long-term planning of the company. Originality/value – DSB is a strategic-level operations question which has an impact on several functions of supply chain.

Impact of novel information technology on IT alignment and sustainable supply chain performance: evidence from Chinese manufacturing industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shushan Zhang ◽  
Lei Sun ◽  
Qi Sun ◽  
Haiying Dong
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Alignment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to explore how the novel information technology (NIT) [1] affects three dimensions of sustainable supply chain performance (economic performance, environmental performance and social performance) and how two dimensions of IT alignment (IT infrastructure alignment and IT human resources alignment) mediate the relationship between them. Design/methodology/approach NIT is defined, the dimension of IT alignment is expanded, the theoretical hypotheses are proposed and are tested using survey data from 394 manufacturing enterprises using NIT in China. Findings The results indicate that NIT plays a positive role in improving sustainable supply chain performance, and IT alignment mediates the impact of NIT on sustainable supply chain performance. Originality/value This study highlights the impact of NIT on sustainable supply chain performance and demonstrates IT alignment as a mediator between them, it also provides a deeper understanding of how different dimensions of IT alignment affect sustainable supply chain performance

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