Track: Operations Management

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) or digital manufacturing is the new paradigm shift in the manufacturing domain which refers to technologies such as 3D printing, rapid prototyping, digital direct manufacturing, layered manufacturing, additive fabrication etc. The products are manufactured or printed using 3D printers directly from the CAD model without undergoing the conventional step of process planning that exists between the CAD and CAM systems. This technology is still to reach a stage where it could be commercially exploited by different manufacturing organizations to gain competitive benefits. Literature suggests that it has been already applied to some specific areas where it has levied promising results.  To realize the long term benefits, it becomes imperative to align the organizational structure and strategy which should support the AM functions or could be successfully implemented. The paper focuses on some organizational implications which will pave the way to fully reap the benefits of AM and its successful implementation.