Analyzing the Barriers to Building a 3-D Printing Enabled Local Medical Supply Chain Ecosystem

Abstract

Building a local supply chain requires separating the regions and creating alliances with local partners and customers, resulting in a new business model. In local supply chains, the factory procures material, parts, and preassembled elements from local suppliers and sells the final products to local customers. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has the potential to enable a more local, globally connected, and efficient supply chain through reduced inventory and transportation costs transforming the make-to-stock to the make-on-demand production cycle. In this study, we use an integrated Interpretive Structural Model and Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique to explore and assess the challenges faced by the 3DP companies to become enabling partners in the localized supply chains. The scope of the study, which was limited to 3DP of medical parts and components, identified that regulatory compliance, stringent quality standards, and lack of design expertise are significant barriers to developing localized three-dimensional printing ecosystems. Furthermore, the study identified immediate support from the local government, the high collaboration between the stakeholders, and the need for change in business approach as the key drivers for developing 3DP-enabled localized supply chain ecosystems.