High tech user-friendliness makes 3D printing possible for everyone
Sophisticated security concept controls print volumes and OE licenses
Open API - All 3D printer manufacturers can connect to the solution
A leading provider of digital supply chain solutions in the field of additive manufacturing. The company supports users and stakeholders in implementing additive processes and cloud-based inventory and printing services. The goal is improved part availability, reduced downtime, and scalable on-demand production—all embedded within quality standards and traceability.
The client's parent company is a global market leader in physical inventory management. The client's vision is to extend this market leadership to digital inventory management by connecting the physical and digital worlds. Additive manufacturing serves as the bridge between these worlds – not just as a technology, but as a service: a cloud-based platform for digital inventory management and on-demand printing.
A technician needs a part. Instead of laboriously searching through a warehouse, driving to the nearest parts dealer, or accepting long delivery times, they go to a 3D printer, enter the required part via an interface, and have it printed on-site. No storage costs, no shipping costs, no long wait times, and significantly lower CO2 emissions.
The biggest challenge in additive manufacturing is the risk of uncontrolled reproduction. Once a customer possesses the print file for a part, they can theoretically reproduce it an infinite number of times, leading to lost licensing revenue for intellectual property owners. The question is: How can controlled print volumes be ensured and intellectual property rights protected?
Even when using approved print files and standardized materials, 3D printing results can vary significantly today. Unlike traditional manufacturing, additive processes lack a formalized quality assurance system to guarantee repeatability and compliance with original equipment standards. Establishing such a process is crucial for widespread adoption.
Operating a 3D printer, handling data, and managing the individual steps of the printing process remain relatively complex today, requiring technical expertise from the user. Not everyone can "just print" the part they need at a moment's notice. In short, there is no optimal user experience for additive manufacturing.
The client plans to introduce the solution across multiple markets and to a wide variety of customers. This is contrasted by the sheer, overwhelming number of 3D printer manufacturers and models, some of which operate with entirely different technologies and, depending on the provider, different printing systems and applications.
The vision painted the big picture, but at the start, there were no detailed business cases on how the platform could be used profitably. Additionally, there was a lack of concise marketing material to sell the solution within the corporation and, later, to the first pilot customers.
During the three-month concept development phase, we turned the client's vision into a structured and actionable plan. We defined business cases, conducted extensive user research, created initial click-dummies, and designed a system architecture that addressed the identified challenges. Furthermore, we supported the client in presenting the well-thought-out concept effectively, not only to secure approval from corporate management but also to bring the first pilot customers on board.
To prevent unauthorized reproduction, the system encrypts print files before sending them to the 3D printer. The printer remains connected to the system via IoT, ensuring that each part is printed only in approved quantities, while the entire production process is tracked and documented for compliance and licensing purposes. This not only makes the parts licensable but also creates a new sales channel for IP owners.
To ensure parts meet quality standards, we integrated a multi-stage quality assurance process. This consists of a combination of real-time print monitoring, validation of print settings, and strict quality checks after every print. The user is guided step-by-step, creating seamless quality documentation—an element that was previously entirely missing in additive manufacturing.
We placed the user experience (UX) at the heart of the solution. Through intensive interviews with experienced 3D printing users, on-site visits, and usability tests, we designed a comprehensive user journey that serves as the foundation for the intuitive user interface. The result is an application that guides the user through the entire process, making 3D printing accessible even to those without technical expertise.
For maximum flexibility in usage, we developed an open API that allows various printer systems to be integrated into the application. The system is also cloud-based and scalable, making it adaptable to a wide range of customers and printers. This ensures the solution is future-proof and can be expanded as needed to serve new markets and technologies.
By leveraging IoT technology, modern security mechanisms, a scalable cloud architecture, and intuitive usability, we were able to help the client transform their product vision into a value-adding solution.
The active sales pipeline and committed pilot customers demonstrate strong market potential for digital inventory and printing services. The solution not only offers new monetization opportunities but also addresses key industry challenges: intellectual property protection, quality control, seamless integration with various 3D printing technologies, and a more user-friendly printing experience.
We have laid the technological foundation for the vision of "leadership in digital inventory management." What follows is the monumental task of integrating this technology into established supply chain processes. The benefits are clear: lower inventory costs, reduced transport costs, and fewer CO₂ emissions. In short: the (r)evolution of the supply chain.