Barriers in adoption of additive manufacturing in medical sector supply chain

Purpose Additive manufacturing (AM) is expected to significantly transform the operations in manufacturing sector. It is also proposed to have optimistic applications in the medical supply chains (SC). However, its adoption in medical sector is faced with a range of barriers. Motivated by the need to establish an AM-based medical SC in a developing economy, the present paper analyses the potential barriers that would hinder the adoption of AM in medical SC. Design/methodology/approach Based on an extensive literature review and expert discussions, 12 significant barriers have been identified, which are analysed using an integrated interpretive structural modelling-analytical network process (ISM-ANP) methodology. An interrelationship between these barriers using ISM has been analysed to determine the driving-dependence power of these barriers using MICMAC (Matrice d' Impacts Croises-Multiplication Applique' e a' Classement) analysis. The barriers are then ranked using the ANP approach. Findings It has been focussed that the non-availability of a variety of materials, lack of education and training to designers and workers and production technology limitation are the most critical barriers. The results suggest that the managers should give greater significance to the technological and organizational barriers. Originality/value An approach to overcome these barriers can help the managers and organizations to develop successful AM-based SCs. The study is the first to identify and analyse the barriers for successful adoption of AM in medical SC context.

Automated summary

The study identifies and analyzes 12 major barriers for the successful adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in medical supply chains (SC), using an integrated interpretive structural modelling-analytical network process (ISM-ANP) methodology. Results show that the lack of material variety, lack of education and training for designers and workers, and limitations in production technology are the most critical barriers. Managers should focus on addressing technological and organizational barriers to develop successful AM-based SCs.