10. Supply Chain Management in the 3D Printing Industry as Exemplified by a Selected Organisation

Simultaneously with the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a particular attention started to be paid to introducing solutions based upon modern technologies in the line of production. Among them, there are, to mention, but one, rapid prototyping techniques, commonly referred to as well as 3D printing. The literature of the subject shows that, regardless of its numerous advantages, managers do not find it easy to accept this technology in production, which is caused by the absence of a clear model showing the business strategy most suitable for the purpose of implementing additive manufacturing, and also determining whether this strategy can be applied to all kinds of products. In connection with what is stated above, the analysis of the 3D printing industry worldwide is conducted in this chapter, and also the method of supply chain management, as exemplified by a selected organisation, taking under particular consideration processes exerting influence upon reducing the waste of raw materials, the loss of working hours and the misuse of financial means, is presented.