Online Manufacturing Platforms: Closed vs Multisided Platforms to Support Fabrication

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to identify, classify and contrast several types of online manufacturing platforms (OMPs), which are virtual platforms that connect and facilitate the interaction between two or more entities (e.g., firms and customers) in the manufacturing domain. We propose a taxonomy of OMPs emerging from the empirical data. To do so, we implement a multiple case study, triangulating data available on the web with interviews. We also use a novel type of experiential research: we perform some transactional activities (e.g., order the design and manufacture of a product) to better understand how the firms and their OMPs work. We select and assess the platforms of 71 firms in 21 different countries. The results suggest that there are closed online manufacturing platforms (COMPs), which optimize the industrial equipment and installations of major manufacturers and their clients, and multi-sided online manufacturing platforms (MOMPs), which connect customers with independent fabricators. This study provides insights that can help us to better understand the diversity and potential of OMP and the synergies that are created between them and manufacturing firms.