Conceptualization of an Operational Capability Development Framework to Facilitate the Integration of Additive Manufacturing Based on a Use Case Perspective

This paper proposes an operational capability development framework to facilitate additive manufacturing (AM) integration from an AM use case perspective. We conducted a single case study in collaboration with master students and AM actors. Data was collected through interviews with respondents from five AM actors and additional data collection methods. Data was analyzed thematically. The conceptualization of the proposed framework was performed iteratively by revisiting the literature and empirical data. The proposed framework provides insights on targeted operational performance and operational capabilities, including its constituents and development mechanisms, based on AM use cases which are evaluated regarding AM’s potential and fit to fulfill a company’s needs. We evaluated the framework based on selected AM use cases and additional insights from industry professionals and academics. This paper introduces a novel framework for operational capability developed to facilitate AM integration. Thereby, yielding another way of working with AM integration based on an AM use case perspective for engineers, managers, and other decision-makers. Therefore, we recommend that future research should extend the framework to include, evaluation using additional AM use cases, the development of dynamic capabilities, and evaluate other industrial contexts.