Title: Using additive manufacturing in supply chains: a simulation-based analysis of supply resilience

Authors: Matthias M. Meyer; Andreas H. Glas; Michael Eßig

Addresses: Research Group Defence Acquisition & Supply Management (DASM), Bundeswehr University Munich, Neubiberg, Germany ' Research Group Defence Acquisition & Supply Management (DASM), Bundeswehr University Munich, Neubiberg, Germany ' Research Group Defence Acquisition & Supply Management (DASM), Bundeswehr University Munich, Neubiberg, Germany

Abstract: The vulnerability of supply chains is more evident during crises. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, container ship blockades, and marine traffic jams in the Suez Canal have caused severe supply disruptions. Additive manufacturing (AM) often referred to as 3D printing, at demand sites, can solve supply disruptions. This study investigates how AM in different configurations affects supply availability. To this end, we simulate a healthcare supply chain. The simulation considers daily business demand and operational and disruptive supply risks. We measure demand, orders, stock levels, and availability indicators and compare them across supply configurations. The simulation allows identifying the most effective resilience configuration related to the cost-per-availability ratio. Overall, simulations support using AM as a risk-mitigation strategy.

Keywords: additive manufacturing; resilience; sourcing; supply risk; hedging strategy; backup supplier.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2022.124438

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2022 Vol.15 No.3, pp.304 - 328

Received: 29 Sep 2021
Accepted: 12 Mar 2022

Published online: 26 Jul 2022 *

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