Additive manufacturing technology adoption for supply chain agility: a systematic search and review

ABSTRACT

Motivated by the dynamic capability view of the firm toward technology adoption, in this study, a systematic search and critical review of the literature is performed to explain how additive manufacturing (AM), more commonly known as 3D printing, affects different dimensions of supply chain agility (SCA), subsequently influencing the macro-level Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model processes, namely, Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, and Enable. Based on the findings, a comprehensive framework is developed outlining the adoption features and barriers of AM technology that affect different SCA dimensions and macro-level SCOR processes. Hence, this macro-level framework promotes strategy analysis for improving SCA and top-level supply chain management (SCM) processes through AM technology adoption. Moreover, propositions are put forward that can be tested empirically and refined contextually by future research. Finally, directions for future research are identified to further investigate the subject matter.

KEYWORDS:

• Additive manufacturing (AM)
• 3D printing
• Supply chain agility (SCA)
• Digital technology adoption
• Strategy analysis
• Macro-level framework

Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The author confirms that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

Additional information

Funding

The author acknowledges the financial support via the Doctoral Grant [PRT/BD/152828/2021] financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT–MCTES) under the MIT Portugal Program.

Notes on contributors

Bardia Naghshineh

Dr. Bardia Naghshineh holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal. He is a member of the UNIDEMI research center hosted by the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the NOVA School of Science and Technology. His primary research area is at the interface of technology adoption and supply chain management. He has published in the International Journal of Production Economics, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Computers & Industrial Engineering, Research-Technology Management, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, and Management Review Quarterly, among other peer-reviewed journals. Before pursuing his Ph.D., he worked in the Procurement, Marketing, Sales, and Distribution functions of FMCG, Construction, and Oil & Gas companies.