Additive manufacturing and supply chain configuration: Modelling and performance evaluation

Purpose: the aim of study is to compare performance different supply chain configurations adopting Additive Manufacturing. Five input factors have been varied with testing response starting conditions. In order evaluate performance, a set key indicators identified considering both manufacturing and logistic processes.Design/methodology/approach: A discrete event simulation model has developed in reproduce behavior players according their role chain. Different modelled assess solution combined factors. Many scenarios tested identifying suitable applications additive technology.Findings: general, decentralized configuration better than centralized fact, it more flexible, for high service levels, less affected by variability demand. However, when distances among are very short average demand low, benefits limited.Concerning production phase, structure allows providing capacity utilization, exploiting potential High-cost machine higher camera volume speed.Practical implications: outcomes obtained allow deriving some useful guidelines, which could help practitioners identify application technology.Originality/value: first, provides quantitative evaluation. Moreover, analyzes technology configurations. This strong point since well known that emerging technologies can affect whole