The Value Contribution of Manufacturing Technology Suppliers

Abstract

This research examined the value of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) supplier support by testing a structural model that relates need for support with actual support received, and the impact of that support on implementation, operational and business success.  Current research is expanded by simultaneously testing the relationship between these factors in a single model.   The recent adoption of a specific subset of AMT (CNC/DNC machines and material working lasers/robots), was the unit of analysis.  The proposed model has good statistical fit and the four hypotheses were supported.  Firms adopting new manufacturing technologies benefit from collaborative relationships with manufacturing technology suppliers, suggesting that the service capabilities of technology suppliers be critically evaluated during supplier selection.