Abstract
Current supply chain structures in the spare parts logistics are changing profoundly due to the influence of digitalization and additive manufacturing (AM). In particular the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) is influenced by the change, as the physical transport of goods could become redundant due to the digital transmission of production data. This leads to a reduction of the LSP’s share in the value chain. Conceptualizing a new role for the LSP for additively manufactured spare parts is necessary. Therefore, five different scenarios are identified in which the LSP serves as a transport carrier, digital distributor, an AM decision maker, a selector of the manufacturer and as an AM service provider.
Highlights
The common value structures in logistics and supply chain management are about to undergo a profound change, mainly driven by technology. 95 percent of all logistics companies surveyed are convinced that digitization will trigger a profound change in logistics processes [1, 2]
The Logistics Service Provider (LSP) consults the customer regarding potentials of Additive Manufacturing (AM) related to the development, production and delivery of spare parts and decides if to apply additive or conventional manufacturing to the object of interest
The LSP competes with other AM service providers and can be requested directly by the customer or in cooperation with a digital distributor
Summary
The common value structures in logistics and supply chain management are about to undergo a profound change, mainly driven by technology. 95 percent of all logistics companies surveyed are convinced that digitization will trigger a profound change in logistics processes [1, 2]. German industry sees high potential for AM in the spare parts industry as an example of Rapid Manufacturing, which has been the result of a study concerning the future of spare parts. The study states that in the five years, more than 85 percent of spare parts suppliers will apply Rapid Manufacturing to their business and companies which incorporate printing spare parts today will gain a sustainable competitive advantage in the future. There are several examples of the increasing importance of Additive Manufacturing of spare parts in the industry: General Electric Aviation is printing fuel nozzles for its aircraft engines [8]. Daimler manufactures additively spare parts for trucks and has already over 30 digital models in a “virtual” warehouse. Siemens stores more than 450 digital models in a “virtual” warehouse, which can be printed on demand [10]
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