Order book management in 3D printing service operations: A design science approach

23th Annual EurOMA Conference, Trondheim, Norway, 17th-22nd June, 10 pages.

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Abstract

3D printing services are appearing, allowing consumers or businesses to order custom parts for delivery within a quoted lead-time, regardless of design specification. The manufacturer’s problem is to ensure that customers receive their goods on time, while capacity costs (including overtime costs) are kept low. We introduce a performance measure called the service rate, analogous to the fill rate of inventory control. Using design science, we identify and evaluate order book control policies to manage the service rate–capacity cost trade-off. Our results show that production smoothing is compatible with high service rates for customized products with short delivery times.