A Conceptual Framework on Implementing Additive Manufacturing Technology Towards Firm Competitiveness

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the technologies that revolutionize production operations by developing digital competencies to satisfy changing market demands. The purpose of this paper is to explore essential AM implementation factors from an operational performance point of view. The methodology includes identification of AM implementation factors through past literature and semi-structured interviews with experts to capture industry perspectives. Initially, eighteen AM implementation factors have been identified and validated through nine industry experts from Indian manufacturing firms. We found various dimensions or key terms from transcripts and tried to map those dimensions across AM implementation factors. In the process, four factors found unrelated to the AM implementation process. The novelty of this paper lies in the identification of essential AM implementation factors and suggesting a conceptual model based on the linkage between AM implementation factors and firm competitiveness signifying the structured approach towards leveraging AM for competitiveness.