• Distributed Manufacturing

Contracting for Distributed Manufacturing

Distributed manufacturing offers a promising vision for the future of production: shorter supply chains, decentralized systems, and localized innovation. The Internet of Production Alliance (Iopa) is working to make this vision a reality. As part of the mAkE consortium, Iopa have been leading the Work Package 4 to create innovative infrastructures that empower hardware digital innovation hubs to thrive in distributed manufacturing ecosystems. Learn more about their work through this blogpost.

Through WP4, our objective is to build digital systems that enhance access to skills, machinery, and contracts—three pillars that enable distributed manufacturing across the mAkE network. A key focus has been designing a prototype system to simplify the contracting process, making it easier for customers to collaborate with multiple manufacturers simultaneously.


This work aligns with the Internet of Production’s mission to decentralize manufacturing by positioning makers and makerspaces as critical drivers of innovation. By facilitating access to local markets and production capabilities, distributed manufacturing creates opportunities for community-driven solutions to meet local needs.


Contracting in Distributed Manufacturing


The initial part of the work on analyzing contracting was carried out by Anna Sera Lowe in identifying the different roles involved in distributed manufacturing as well as how the interactions between entities taking up these roles differ from similar roles in centralized manufacturing.

  1. Demand Side Roles
  2. Intermediary Roles
  3. Supply Side Roles
  4. Independent Roles


Read the full article Roles in Distributed Manufacturing by Anna Sera Lowe: https://medium.com/internetofproduction/roles-in-distributed-manufacturing-2818381b49c7 


Unlike traditional centralized manufacturing, where a single manufacturer often assumes all responsibilities, distributed manufacturing involves multiple entities collaborating across these roles. While this model increases flexibility, it also introduces complexity in how responsibilities are allocated and managed.

In centralized systems, contracts are typically straightforward, with a single manufacturer handling logistics, quality assurance, and delivery. In distributed manufacturing, however, buyers must navigate a more intricate contractual landscape, coordinating between multiple parties and ensuring clear communication and accountability.

To address these complexities, contracts in distributed manufacturing need to be:

  • Adaptable: Supporting various scenarios and jurisdictions.
  • Flexible: Accommodating different configurations of roles and responsibilities.
  • Clear: Defining tasks, timelines, and accountability for all participants.

Processes and Prototype


To better understand distributed manufacturing workflows, we began by mapping out various scenarios. This research focused on processes involving makers and makerspaces, particularly those used in the Innovative Manufacturing in Africa (IMA) project in 2023.

In the IMA trials, we worked with nine makerspaces across three countries, collaborating to fulfill simultaneous orders for healthcare products. While this process highlighted the potential of distributed manufacturing, it also revealed significant challenges—particularly in managing contracts and production workflows. 


Picture 1: Makerspace managers performing quality inspections of distributed manufactured items during the Innovative Manufacturing in Africa project in October 2023.


To address this, we developed a prototype system for the mAkE Virtual Trials. This system streamlines the contracting process by providing buyers with a single interface to submit orders, regardless of how many manufacturers are involved.


Key Features of the Prototype System:


  • Centralized Order Submission: Buyers can submit all order details through a single portal, simplifying the initial contracting process.
  • Automated Workflows: Once an order is submitted, the system automates the workflow, prompting each participant to complete their tasks in sequence.
  • Role-Based Management: Tasks are assigned based on predefined roles (e.g., manufacturing, quality assurance), ensuring clarity and accountability.

This system was demonstrated in several workshops to gather feedback from participants. These workshops explored:

  • The importance of quality assurance frameworks in distributed manufacturing.
  • The need for shared workflows that emphasize collaboration.
  • Balancing community-driven innovation with financial sustainability.

Participants highlighted the system’s potential to enhance customer trust, improve logistical coordination, and address capacity concerns in distributed manufacturing networks.


Access the Prototype System (Scan the QR code below to learn more and explore the system in detail.)



What’s Next?


The mAkE Virtual Trials provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of distributed manufacturing. Building on the findings, we’ve identified several areas for further exploration:

  1. Expanding Workflow Scenarios: The current prototype was based on a single distributed manufacturing scenario. Future trials will explore additional scenarios mapped during our research to ensure the system’s adaptability to diverse processes.
  2. AI-Powered Contract Generation: We envision developing an AI tool to assist stakeholders in creating contracts tailored to distributed manufacturing. This tool would automate the customization of clauses and workflows, addressing the variability in roles and responsibilities.
  3. Standard Contractual Clauses Library: There is a clear need for a repository of standardized clauses that can be adapted for various jurisdictions. This library would serve as an essential resource for organizations adopting distributed manufacturing.
  4. Educational Resources: A catalogue of contracting processes and scenarios could help potential adopters understand the nuances of distributed manufacturing. This resource would provide practical guidance for organizations exploring decentralized production.
  5. Role and Process Flexibility: Future systems should allow for dynamic configurations of roles and workflows, reflecting the complexity of real-world scenarios.

Join the Conversation

The work conducted under WP4 represents just the beginning of innovation in distributed manufacturing contracting. We believe that collaboration is key to advancing this field.

We invite you to:


Conclusion

Distributed manufacturing has the potential to transform how we produce goods, empowering local makerspaces, shortening supply chains, and fostering community-driven innovation. By addressing the complexities of contracting and streamlining workflows, the work done under mAkE is laying the foundation for scalable, impactful distributed manufacturing systems.

We look forward to your feedback and collaboration as we continue to refine and expand this work. Together, we can unlock the full potential of decentralized production and create a more resilient, inclusive future for manufacturing.

  • Distributed Manufacturing

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