Technology: 3d Printing

John Miller                                                                                 Fog Index: 12.97

Strategic Management

Topic Paper 3 – Technology

        In this day and age technology is developing at a faster pace than it ever has before. The world is constantly coming up with new and innovative tools to improve the way things are done. Today, one of the fastest growing technologies in the world is 3D printing. Layer by layer, 3D printing is changing the way things are produced. It is in position to cause a major disruption in the global manufacturing industry, among many other areas of business. Not only that, but it will allow a large scale customization of products to fit the needs and wants of individuals. The line within the YouTube video that best sums up the potential of 3D printing is “the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.” This advancement in technology will provide a convenient means for creative production, and will absolutely change the world.

        There will be major implications for businesses with this new manufacturing technology. First and foremost, consumer goods will be created much closer to their point of purchase. Nowadays products are manufactured at a plant and then moved along the supply chain. With 3D printing, goods can be produced as needed at a location that is convenient for the customer. Take someone that needed a part for their car, for example. Today they would take it in to their local mechanic who would then order a custom part to fit that specific car, taking a significant amount of time. But if the mechanic shop had 3D printing technology, the part could be created right then and there and would be ready for installation in a much shorter period of time. This is just one example of how this new tool creates a more convenient experience for a customer.