Abstract
M.Com. (Business Management)
Technology is the driver of industry innovations. One such disruptive innovation that has implications
for third party logistic (3PL) service providers is the technology of 3D printing. Some customer
products are becoming more accessible to potential buyers situated remotely due to 3D printing
enabling companies to print their product at geographically remote destinations. There is no longer
the need to manufacture the product at the factory and move it with a 3PL service provider to a
customer. This will result in less product volume being expedited by the 3PL companies. The
literature views on how 3D printing is impacting various industries assisted in gathering information,
which aided the researcher in formulating the themes that guided this study. The literature review on
this technology further assisted with gaining an understanding of how 3D printing was being received
by other countries and companies. Strategies around managing the change brought about by new
technologies were also interrogated to gain an understanding on what lessons could be learned.
It became apparent that yet, little is known globally about the impact of 3D printing and very little
literature dealt with the geographic context of South Africa (SA). The research question posed was
- in what ways will 3D printing possibly change the services provided by South African 3PL
companies to their current customers, the product manufacturers? The primary objective of this
research in light of this gap was to explore how SA logistic companies, as 3PL industries, can adapt
their customer strategies as some products become more locally accessible due to 3D printing
resulting in less product volume being expedited by the 3PL companies.
One South African 3PL logistic company (called 3PLA in this study) which is JSE listed was selected
for this study based on their leading position in managing innovation. The research methodology
adopted was qualitative, using document analysis of 3PLA company documents in the public
domain, and thematic content analysis of eight one-one-one semi-structured interviews with
managers of 3PLA selected based on judgement. The findings suggest that although it was evident
that 3D printing is not yet widely implemented here in South Africa, 3D printing implications need to
be considered in terms of threats and benefits for 3PLs to implement if competitive advantages and
customer service were to be assured in the future. Strategies to integrate this innovation were
suggested from the interviews. Recommendations for future studies were suggested to South
Africa’s logistics companies.