The effect of additive manufacturing adoption on supply chain flexibility and performance: An empirical analysis from the automotive industry

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for analyzing the relationships among Additive Manufacturing adoption, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context. No empirical study was found in the supply chain literature that specifically examines the relationships among Additive Manufacturing adoption, flexibility and performance; the paper therefore fills an important gap in the supply chain literature. The research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey from a total of 124 medium-and large-sized European Union automotive manufacturing companies. The hypothesized relationships are tested using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The research provides insights into how supply chain flexibility mediates the effect of Additive Manufacturing adoption on supply chain performance in the context of European automotive industry. Research findings indicate that Additive Manufacturing adoption positively impacts supply chain flexibility and that, in turn, supply chain flexibility positively impacts supply chain performance. This suggests that companies should focus on flexibilities in the supply chain to improve its performance. Overall, these findings provide important insights into the value of Additive Manufacturing adoption for supply chain flexibility and performance.