Adopting additive manufacturing in SMEs: exploring the challenges and solutions
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 13 June 2018
Issue publication date: 13 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
Adopting additive manufacturing (AM) can be challenging, especially in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and as part of the supply chains of larger firms. The purpose of this paper is to explore SMEs’ perspectives on the adoption of AM in their specific supply chain positions. The paper develops new knowledge on the challenges SMEs face across the supply chain and the actions they need to promote the adoption of AM.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory interview-based research design is used. In total, 17 interviews were conducted and analyzed in four types of SMEs in their specific positions in AM supply chains. The challenges of adopting AM were mapped, and actions to promote AM adoption were identified.
Findings
SMEs in different supply chain positions experience different challenges when adopting AM. Strategic and operative actions are suggested as key solutions to overcome the challenges. The benefits of AM on a large scale will be achieved only if the broader supply chain adopts AM technology and experiences its benefits.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by its single-country context, its focus on SMEs, and the selection of early-phase AM-adopter firms. The findings imply a need to understand AM adoption as a shared concern and systemic innovation in the supply chain, instead of just a firm-specific implementation task.
Practical implications
The findings offer a framework for categorizing AM adoption challenges and propose ways to overcome the challenges of adoption.
Originality/value
The study reveals that AM adoption is not only a technology issue, but also an issue of strategic, organizational and operational challenges across the supply chain. It shows that when adopting AM, SMEs face particular challenges and require specific solutions according to their supply chain position.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The data collection in this project took place in the European Regional Development Fund project “Välkky” (A72156, demanding digital manufacturing in creating added ecosystem value), partly funded by the Council of Tampere Region and conducted in collaboration between Tampere University of Technology and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The authors gratefully acknowledge the kind support of the financiers. The authors thank the research team and the companies involved in the interviews and workshops for the open minded attitude, intellectual input and creative spirit in the project. The authors thank own research team CROPS (Center for Research on Operations, Projects and Services) at Tampere University of Technology for the constructive feedback regarding an earlier version of this paper.
Citation
Martinsuo, M. and Luomaranta, T. (2018), "Adopting additive manufacturing in SMEs: exploring the challenges and solutions", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 937-957. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-02-2018-0030
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited