Abstract:

Supply chain management is defined as the integrated management of material, information and cash flow between the parties to ensure that the right product is produced and distributed, in the right amount, at the right price, in the right place and at the right time, in the process of supply, production and delivery of raw materials and materials as a product and to the customer. In other words, all the process that any product follows from the beginning of its production to its reach to the consumer, transport and storage activities are carried out in the most appropriate manner and at the lowest cost. Although this process is desired to be short, elements such as raw materials, equipment, human factor can negatively affect the process's speed. In today’s world, the internet-based, shortly cyber-space connection of almost everything is seen as one of the elements that positively affect the speed of the process. With the concept of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0)” presented by Germany, objects’ internet, smart production, autonomous systems, cyber-physical systems, big data, augmented reality, simulation, system integration, cloud technologies, three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) printing technologies are in the forefront. In particular, 3D / 4D printing is a leading and determining structure in supply chain management processes. The aim of the study is generally to assess the positive and negative effects of 3D printing, and in particular 4D printing on the production, transport, storage, supply and sales processes in supply chain management. The first and secondary data were used in the preparation of this work. In the framework of the study, literature scan was first done on the subject, in addition to the use of quality methods by conducting face-to-face conversations with the industry representatives who participated in the supply chain process.

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Abstract:

Supply chain management is defined as integrated management of material, information and money flow between the parties in order to produce and distribute the right product in the right amount, at the right price, in the right place and at the right time in the process of delivering the raw materials, producing the product and delivering it to the customer. In other words, it includes the whole process from the start of production to the arrival of any product to consumer, the optimization of transportation and storage activities and the minimization of costs. Although this process is asked to be short, duration can be negatively affected by factors such as raw materials, equipments and human. In today’s business world, almost everything is Internet based; in other words it is connected to cyber space, which is one of the factors that affects the speed of this process positively. The concept of ’Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0) which is foregrounded by Germany in particular, consists of basic components such as the internet of objects, smart production, autonomous systems, cyber physical systems, big data, augmented reality, simulation, system integration, cloud technologies, three dimensional (3D) and four dimensional (4D) printing technologies. Particularly, 3D/4D printing emerges as a pioneering and determining structure in supply chain management processes. Thu purpose of the present study is to assess positive and negative effects of 3D printing in general and 4D printing in particular on production, transportation, warehousing, supply and purchase processes in supply chain management. Primary and secondary data were utilized in this study. First, literature review was conducted about the subject and additionally, qualitative methods were used by conducting face to face meetings including in depth interviews with industry representatives who are involved in the supply chain process.