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Integration of Additive Manufacturing in an Industrial Setting: The Impact on Operational Capabilities

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Advances in Production Management Systems. Production Management Systems for Responsible Manufacturing, Service, and Logistics Futures (APMS 2023)

Part of the book series: IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology ((IFIPAICT,volume 690))

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore changes in operational capabilities and their impact when integrating additive manufacturing into a traditional manufacturing company. This was exemplified based on a sub-system component (gears and shafts in a gearbox) for automotive applications that are developed and manufactured at a manufacturing company in the commercial vehicle sector. The research was set up based on a case study consisting of semi-structured interviews, informal meetings, observations, company documents, reports, presentations, and field notes. The literature and findings from empirical data converged into 57 themes of operational capabilities that were categorized into six aggregated dimensions. The results suggest two emerging dimensions, namely stakeholders and strategy, building upon an existing theoretical framework. Integrating AM into traditional industrial settings requires several changes in operational capabilities. It is essential to consider the following priorities, 1) gain understanding and knowledge in design for AM, 2) build robust AM infrastructure as an integral part of existing infrastructure, 3) evaluate AM process changes in product development and production, 4) establish an internal AM team with at least one person working full time with AM, 5) establish collaborations with suitable AM research partners, and 6) conduct AM management and evaluate the business impact not only short-term but also long-term. Future research should investigate operational capabilities from other use cases, dynamic capabilities in the same or similar contexts, and transform the required operational capabilities into guidelines and best practices for managers and other decision-makers in the manufacturing industry.

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Acknowledgment

This research project has been funded by the Knowledge Foundation within the framework of the ARRAY++ Research School and the participating companies, and Mälardalen University, Sweden. The people that contributed with their knowledge are gratefully thanked for making these experiences available.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mälardalen University, Hamngatan 15, 63105, Eskilstuna, Sweden

    Christopher Gustafsson, Anna Sannö, Koteshwar Chirumalla & Jessica Bruch

Authors
  1. Christopher Gustafsson
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  2. Anna Sannö
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  3. Koteshwar Chirumalla
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  4. Jessica Bruch
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher Gustafsson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

    Erlend Alfnes

  2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

    Anita Romsdal

  3. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

    Jan Ola Strandhagen

  4. ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Friedrichshafen, Germany

    Gregor von Cieminski

  5. Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico

    David Romero

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Gustafsson, C., Sannö, A., Chirumalla, K., Bruch, J. (2023). Integration of Additive Manufacturing in an Industrial Setting: The Impact on Operational Capabilities. In: Alfnes, E., Romsdal, A., Strandhagen, J.O., von Cieminski, G., Romero, D. (eds) Advances in Production Management Systems. Production Management Systems for Responsible Manufacturing, Service, and Logistics Futures. APMS 2023. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 690. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43666-6_40

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43666-6_40

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-43666-6

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