SAP and United Parcel Service of America (UPS) have extended their collaboration to transform 3D printing, by opening up the programme to other companies.
Both the companies have joined hands to make 3D printing into a seamless distributed manufacturing process by integrating SAP solutions for the extended supply chain and Internet of Things with the UPS additive manufacturing and logistics network.
The companies have started an early adopter 3D printing programme to expand the number of co-innovation partners who will collaborate with SAP to test, validate and improve the manufacturing model.
Latest collaboration between SAP and UPS follows the previously announced deal announced in May this year, where they planned to bridge the gap between manufacturing and the final consumer.
The company claims that with the present collaboration, manufacturers with streamlined supply chains can bring their products to the market faster and in a cost efficient manner, compared to conventional ways.
Customers co-innovating in the early-stage programme to streamline supply chains and get products to market faster and more cost-effective way include Airbus APWorks, Fast Radius, HP Inc., Krones, Linear AMS, Moog , Sealed Air and Stratasys.
SAP extended supply chain senior vice president Hans Thalbauer said: “SAP Distributed Manufacturing can enable unprecedented opportunities to revolutionise design, manufacturing, logistics processes and business models.
“We are bringing together the innovative power of our customers and partners with SAP in this exciting next phase of our initiative to extend our reach and enable our vision for digital manufacturing.”
According to SAP, participating member-companies can register for the programme and explore distributed manufacturing benefits such as reduced number of inventory parts, cost-effective short production and prototype runs, quick delivery of parts and access to 3D printing capabilities.
HP 3D market development vice president Scott Schiller said: “The successful transition of 3D printing from prototyping to manufacturing requires integration with business IT systems.
“HP understands the importance of end-to-end integration to maximise efficiency and technology adoption and is joining the SAP co-innovation program to help bring this to life.
“Powered by HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, HP delivers a manufacturing-ready solution for end-part production as well as an open software platform to connect to business IT systems.
“With leadership from SAP and collaboration with other innovators in the industry, 3D printing will more quickly move into mainstream manufacturing and streamline supply chains.”
