Current Situation
Traditional supply chains serve manufacturing processes that rely on long lead times and large order quantities, require lots of inventory storage to satisfy the need for economies of scale, and have low ability to customize to demand.
Goals and Objectives
The on-demand supply chain is digital, making it more agile and flexible, with traditional supply chain “tasks” (of movement and storage) merged with production such that the supply chain and manufacturing are more intertwined. By taking advantage of cloud technology and digital platforms, customers can get quotes for orders (parts or wholes) in real time, customize when desired, place orders, and stay connected with the production and movement of components, finished product, and delivery execution throughout the end-to-end process.
Technology Deployed
Cloud, industry cloud, IoT, integration to OMS, 3D printing, and 3D product virtualization and customization
Use Case Summary
On-demand manufacturing addresses the growing challenge of fulfilling demand for “long tail” low-volume, high-volatility products; for customized products; for producing close to consumption; and for enabling quick replenishment or save-the-sale capability. The on-demand supply chain also enables collaboration with the customer.