Improving sustainability and cost efficiency for spare part allocation strategies by utilisation of additive manufacturing technologies

Currently, no proper cost models are available to assist managers in selecting part-specific allocation strategies for spare parts under consideration of metal additive manufacturing (AM). Therefore, sustainability aspects and cost efficiency over a product lifecycle show potential for optimisation. The aim of this paper is to propose a two-stage model as a basis for decision support in spare part allocation. The first stage introduces a multi-criteria part classification regarding classical criteria as well as criteria referring to AM. The impacts on different spare part allocation strategies like final stockpiling, conventional spare part production or AM on demand will be focused. Based on the first stage, a conceptual model for a comprehensive activity-based cost assessment will be adopted to assess the arising costs that occur for each of the compared allocation strategies. Evaluating the relevant factors for the specific product, process, warehousing and capital issues, the basis for choosing the best suitable spare part allocation strategy will be presented. The present document is a working paper, where the interim results of the intended concept model are introduced.