3D-printing has made its official debut in the US logistics
market. UPS’ subsidiary, The UPS Store,
announced it will test 3D printing services in-store beginning in the San Diego
area. Targeting start-ups, small businesses and retail customers, the service
will be able to produce items like engineering parts, functional prototypes,
acting props, architectural models, and fixtures for cameras, lights and
cables. According to Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and small
business solutions at The UPS Store, “start-ups, entrepreneurs and small
business owners may not have the capital to purchase a 3D printer on their own,
but they may have a need to show prototypes to their current and potential
customers. By offering 3D printing capabilities in-center, we’re able to help
further our small business customers’ opportunities for success.”
Indeed, Transport Intelligence has been monitoring this
emerging trend. In 2012, Ti’s CEO, John Manners-Bell and Ken Lyon, CEO of
Virtual-Partners Ltd. authored the white paper, “Implications of 3D Printing
for the Global Logistics Industry”. According to the white paper, implications for
the logistics industry are numerous and could include lower levels of
inventory, increase in near-shoring as well as the possible emergence of a new
sector within the logistics industry – the storage and movement of raw
materials that feed into 3D printing.
UPS’ response to this trend appears to be that of embracing
this possible new sector within the logistics industry. But of course, it is
still too early to determine and while the company is only testing it at select
UPS Stores, it is likely demand will increase for such services.
Targeting the SME segment is a smart move – 3D printing will
help level the playing field and allow these businesses to compete against
larger companies. By utilizing this service within UPS Stores, SMEs could also
partner with UPS for additional services such as shipping, logistics services
and expansion overseas. The US SME
segment is a large one, comprising of over 28 million businesses and accounting
for almost half of the country’s gross domestic product. Other logistics
providers such as FedEx and DHL are also targeting the SME segment but differently.
By offering an innovative solution such as 3D printing, UPS has not only
provided a unique and compelling service offering but it also has officially ushered
the use of 3D printing into the US logistics industry.
To download a free copy of Ti’s white paper, “Implications
of 3D Printing for the Global Logistics Industry”, please click here.
Transport Intelligence is also proud to be hosting its
Emerging Markets and the Future of Supply Chain Conference in September. Ken
Lyon, CEO of Virtual-Partners Ltd. and Ti’s advisory board member will be
discussing this timely topic. For more information on the conference, please click
here.
