Preparing To Conduct Business Research (Part 1): Shapeways®
Russell Thomas Gallien III
RES/421
2/18/2015
Hurel Johnson
Preparing To Conduct Business Research (Part 1): Shapeways®
Preparing To Conduct Business Research (Part 1): Shapeways®
Shapeways® is the current leader in online 3D printing services for the general public.
They are interested in capitalizing off of the current evolutions in the medical industry, with
concerns to 3D printed prosthetics, tissue, and other medical equipment and life enhancement
products. The current market is very specialized, with only a select few businesses actually
producing 3D printed materials in that scope. The initial plan of approach will be to organize the
prospective doctors and their services, efficiently connect the inquiring public to the
professionals. From this initial phase in development, Shapeways® would like to move into
actual production, with an auditing process that gains the necessary diagnostic information from
the client/patient, and allows orders for specialized orders of Shapeways® available inventory.
Combining the commodity business model with one that is more hands on, and potentially
medically oriented presents a multitude of complications and considerations before a plan is
acted upon. Because we are dealing with a certain amount of unknown variables, it may be
important that the vision be further refined as we progress, but our avenues of execution are clear
and defined; Define a process in which complex 3D printed can be made available to the general
public in a cost effective, and efficient manner. Connect and broker relationships to prospective
clients/patients in need to custom printed items (similar to designing a custom engagement ring
through an online configurator). Inital an auditing process that gains the client info, that can be
scaled nationally/internationally. Item an ever-expanding list of services, within the scope of this
direction, which can be accomplished with both our current and prospective equipment.
Preparing To Conduct Business Research (Part 1): Shapeways®
The Realities of Our Endeavor
The Significance
The significance of making the service of custom item printing more functional and
applicable to the physical needs of the public, as opposed to their wants, stands to solidify the
potential 3D printing in the minds of those who serve to benefit from it, most. This marriage of
service and production may also open an avenue for access to other industry specific goods and
designers, evolving the science, exponentially. These and a multitude of other implications serve
as sufficient initiative for Shapeways® inquiry.
The Scope
The scope of such development includes potential licensing requirements, HIPPA
compliance research, creation of a inventory of services, doctor search and contracting, auditor
training and curriculum, and whether or not the business should remain one entity, or create a
sister company or subsidiary to carry the new initiative.
The Magnitude
Beyond the small number of additions and development, are the large number
compartmental pieces included in those changes. Due diligence, with regards to the materials
needed, research and development, and trials will further help us refine the magnitude of our
initial launch, as well as what the future beyond that point, holds.
The Feasibility
Shapeways® current positioning in the 3D printing market opens our innovations to a
public that isn’t entirely ignorant of the mediums implication. In a very real way, the individual
Preparing To Conduct Business Research (Part 1): Shapeways®
pieces of the monster which we are trying to construct already exist in a fragmented way. Our
position will be that of a conduit for those current technologies and an aggregate of the various
genres/sub-genres of services needed to create the final product.
Why We Should Act On The Times
Though the aforementioned market position is advantageous, it stokes the flames of
urgency for research into these potentials, if Shapeways® is to retain that dominant,
advantageous position. Being on the cutting edge of the reach of 3D printing, beyond the current
commercially driven uses, creates possibilities for people that may not have existed, prior. It can
be seen as the responsibility of the big fish in such a market, to make the more necessary and
essential products which this medium can furnish, more widely available in a cost effective and
timely manner. It is also important to establish a well vetted, tried, and tested set of standards for
3D human application, which can be researched by those who intend on using it. This
transparency not only edifies the market base, but allows those who would seek to enter of
further expand the industry a safe minimal pivot point. As mentioned before, the pieces of the
vision seem to exist, but mainly needs to be refined, organized, and applied toward a common
goal. The findings of our research department should serve as an essential peek into the true
scope of what we are trying to accomplish.
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