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Distributed manufacturing challenges the way things have always been done by replacing much of the material supply chain with shared digital information . Harnessing 3D printing , the localised distribution of parts and products will aid the assembly and packaging of end products near to their final destination — in turn this can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint , minimise waste and improve efficiency . It also provides companies with a cost-effective option to get access to , and experiment with , new technologies without the need for huge capital investment . ( To find out more about this approach read our feature about Fictiv ’ s manufacturing platform on Page 54 ).

JANUARY 2020