How do you demonstrate 3D printing's value to stakeholders?

1 Know your stakeholders

The first step to demonstrate 3D printing's value is to understand who your stakeholders are and what they care about. Different groups may have different goals, interests, and perspectives on 3D printing. For example, customers may want to know how 3D printing can improve product quality, performance, and customization. Partners may want to know how 3D printing can enhance collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. Regulators may want to know how 3D printing can comply with safety, environmental, and legal standards. The public may want to know how 3D printing can benefit society, address social issues, and respect ethical principles. By identifying your stakeholders and their needs, you can tailor your communication and presentation accordingly.

2 Show the benefits

The next step to demonstrate 3D printing's value is to show how it can deliver tangible and intangible benefits to your stakeholders. You can use examples, case studies, testimonials, or demonstrations to illustrate how 3D printing can solve problems, create opportunities, or add value to your products, services, or processes. For example, you can show how 3D printing can reduce waste, save costs, increase speed, or enable customization. You can also show how 3D printing can support sustainability, social responsibility, or ethical values. By showing the benefits, you can highlight 3D printing's competitive advantages and positive impacts.

3 Address the challenges

The third step to demonstrate 3D printing's value is to address the potential challenges or risks that 3D printing may pose to your stakeholders. You can acknowledge the limitations, uncertainties, or drawbacks of 3D printing, and explain how you plan to overcome or mitigate them. For example, you can address the technical, operational, or financial challenges of 3D printing, such as quality control, maintenance, training, or investment. You can also address the ethical, social, or legal challenges of 3D printing, such as intellectual property, privacy, security, or regulation. By addressing the challenges, you can show your transparency, credibility, and responsibility.

4 Invite feedback

The fourth step to demonstrate 3D printing's value is to invite feedback from your stakeholders. You can ask for their opinions, suggestions, or questions about 3D printing, and listen to their concerns, expectations, or preferences. You can also encourage them to try or test 3D printing themselves, or provide them with resources or information to learn more about it. By inviting feedback, you can foster dialogue, engagement, and trust with your stakeholders.

5 Align with goals

The fifth step to demonstrate 3D printing's value is to align it with your stakeholders' goals and vision. You can show how 3D printing can support or advance their strategic objectives, mission, or values. You can also show how 3D printing can create synergies, partnerships, or collaborations with your stakeholders. By aligning with goals, you can show your relevance, alignment, and commitment to your stakeholders.

6 Follow up

The sixth and final step to demonstrate 3D printing's value is to follow up with your stakeholders. You can provide them with updates, reports, or feedback on 3D printing's progress, outcomes, or impacts. You can also ask for their feedback, satisfaction, or referrals on 3D printing's performance, quality, or value. You can also offer them support, assistance, or opportunities to continue or expand their involvement or interest in 3D printing. By following up, you can show your appreciation, professionalism, and relationship with your stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?