Software Tool for the Selection of 3D Print Service Providers in the context of Spare Parts Logistics

With conventional production, storage and delivery strategies, it is often not possible to meet customers' expectations of continuous availability of individualized components in the context of spare parts logistics. Due to the possibility of producing spare parts according to current demand and close to the place of actual demand, additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to solve this challenge. Cost-intensive toolmaking, long transport distances and high warehouse stock can thus be prevented. In order to make optimum use of the above-mentioned advantages of AM, new general conditions for spare parts logistics must be created. One possibility is to provide IT support through the development of a software tool. The aim of the software tool is to ensure easy access to AM for all participants of the supply chain. As part of the research project 3Dsupply (Project ID: 02K16C162), a software solution is developed, that consists of two different modules: AM feasibility assessment and AM producer selection. During the AM feasibility assessment, the economic and technological benefit of AM based on the spare part data is estimated. The subsequent selection of appropriate 3D print service providers is conducted based on a matching of customer requirements and producer characteristics. Possible users of the software tool are not only the spare parts demanders and the producers of additive parts itself, but also the logistics service provider, which, in particular in the scenario of a full supply service provider, can act as an intermediary between spare parts demanders and producers.