3D Printing – The latest technological advancement in manufacturing industry

3D printing facility has opened up a new door for the manufacturers to meet the specific requirements of the customers. Here is how businesses can improve this aspect.

The necessity of proper infrastructure, an efficient team of professionals and proper resource management system is very much significant in any manufacturing company. These qualities ensure the much-needed control over the type of products. Though, the recent advancement in additive manufacturing (AM) in the form of 3D printers has changed the picture vastly. Consumers can now design and create items of their choice with the help of Computer Aided Design and simple mapping software.
The recent collapse of companies like Napster in the music industry, Uber in the Taxi industry and Netflix in the film rental industry can be regarded as the foreshadowing of digital disruption. Hence, embracing the technological advancement in the manufacturing industry is the ultimate way out for the improvement of your business.
The Ultimate Open Source Effect
One of the essential parts of 3D printing is obviously 3D scanning. It can use sensors like lasers and CAD (Computer Aided Design) is used to map a physical object by 3D printer. Manufacturers should think of this technological advancement more seriously. With the help of 3D printers, replicating a company’s products and components is much easier and convenient. With the continuation of the advancements, businesses can expect huge sharing of products and components.  
Brand Loyalty
This is another very, very important aspect of any business. Building relationship with the customers is always a positive step towards the success of your business. And this is something that cannot be replicated by the improvement of technology. But the advancement of technology can contribute in this aspect. Like elements like 3D printing is a great tool to acquire the trust of the customers by offering them the best possible customized items. If your customers are confident about the quality of your products, brand loyalty will certainly be created.
The Aftermarket Community
When the 3D scans are in the hands of the customers, it is obvious that the aftermarket parts will become more widespread. This approach brings up an opportunity for the customers to get their products customized or configured with their preferred components. By focusing on the customization of products, any business can enter into a new revenue stream thus creating brand loyalty.  
Value Added Service
There are ways through which manufacturers can influence the authenticity of their brand and increase the sale. Programs like warranties, loyalty program, improved customer service, value added service – all can be part of this process and should be promoted by the manufacturers.
a) Warranties
Offering warranties for non-consumable products create a sense of confidence among the customers about the products. Customers, who are investing their time and money into a new product or design, give much importance to warranties. So, businesses offering extended warranty program on products can move a step forward in winning the trust of the customers.  
b) Loyalty Programs
There are hundreds of reasons for business to offer loyalty program for their customers. Loyalty programs help businesses to determine the involvement of customers, give more importance to customer preference and influence customer endorsement.  
Are you ready to embrace the advancement?
These are certainly the beginning days for the 3D printing process but manufacturers should have the vision to anticipate the impact of this innovation. You may find companies that are hugely successful by not following the changing trends. But you should always ask yourself one question that is: will you be able to continue your success by staying stationary in this changing world?