Dispersed

Local Production

Dispersed Local Production: The ScanAndMake Approach to Distributed Manufaturing

ScanAndMake operates a centralized digital platform designed to facilitate dispersed local production, an innovative model of distributed manufacturing that decentralizes production across geographically dispersed, smaller-scale facilities. This approach contrasts with traditional centralized mass production by leveraging a network of local fabrication labs, maker spaces, and micro-factories.

Defining Dispersed Local Production

Dispersed local production refers to the decentralized fabrication of goods within multiple local sites rather than a single centralized factory. This model enables:

• Localized manufacturing close to end-users.
• Customization adapted to regional market demands.
• Reduction of transportation-related emissions and costs.

This concept aligns with industry terms such as distributed production, cloud manufacturing, and local manufacturing.

Core Components of ScanAndMake's Platform

Geographic Distribution and Network Connectivity

ScanAndMake connects designers, engineers, and creators with a network of local production facilities distributed across diverse geographic regions. This distribution enables:

• Proximity-based production, reducing logistics complexity and delivery lead times.
• Regional customization to meet specific consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
• Lower carbon footprint through minimized shipping distances.

Technology-Enabled Coordination and Digital Fabrication

At the core of ScanAndMake's platform is a cloud-based management system that supports:

• Digital design file sharing with secure access controls.
• Integration with advanced manufacturing technologies including 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting.
• "Design globally, produce locally" workflows that optimize production efficiency and responsiveness.

Intellectual Property Protection via One-Use Encrypted Production Files

To safeguard creators' intellectual property, ScanAndMake employs one-use encrypted production files that:

• Authorize a single manufacturing event per file, preventing unauthorized copying or reuse.
• Enable secure, on-demand local production without centralized inventory.
• Support traceability and compliance through digital licensing mechanisms.

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact

ScanAndMake's dispersed local production model delivers significant benefits beyond manufacturing efficiency:

• Local workforce development: Supporting maker education and skills training through partnerships with FabLabs and the world's first Makers' School (EDAT) in Mérida, Venezuela.
• Economic resilience: Stimulating local economies by creating jobs and retaining tax revenue within communities.
• Sustainable resource management: Promoting the use of locally sourced materials such as regional wood and recycled bioplastics to minimize environmental impact.

Business Model Advantages

This distributed manufacturing approach enables:

• Demand-driven production with smaller batch sizes tailored to local market needs.
• Reduced inventory and waste through just-in-time manufacturing.
• Enhanced flexibility and scalability by leveraging a network of micro-factories rather than centralized mass production.