When Wilfried Vancraen founded Materialise, he realised that additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as it is usually known, was a totally different approach to manufacturing. He had a vision of creating products for a better and healthier world.
His company created new software that accelerated the process and opened up endless possibilities. Industrial, manufacturing and automotive companies could produce prototypes, one-offs and limited runs of parts quickly, accurately and cost-effectively. Surgeons could request custom-made surgical guides and implants. The fashion industry could create designs like nothing seen previously.
This new and rapidly developing means of production needed a logistics company that could meet new challenges. UPS provided software that could be integrated with Materialise’s own, so that the company had control of the entire logistical chain. This reduces costs and risks, enabling Materialise to create shipments with one click of a button.
As the company grows and finds new customers all over the world, it’s a constant challenge to ensure that customers’ needs are met efficiently and cost-effectively. UPS My Choice allows for easy tracking, giving customers more say in how they receive their deliveries. In addition to receiving proactive notifications for upcoming deliveries, customers can also reschedule or reroute their parcels if the delivery date or time isn’t convenient for them.
“The challenge is not just one of controlling the 3D printing process, it’s controlling the entire logistical chain… we are fully connected with UPS software,” says Wilfried Vancraen, founder of Materialise.
Monthly meetings with Dries, a UPS account manager, allow everyone at Materialise to ensure that they get the best possible service. It means we can check that their software is kept up-to-date and it gives them a chance to discuss potential problems.
Bart Darius, head of logistics at Materialise, says: “UPS is way ahead regarding technical developments and anticipating all our needs.”
So, as Materialise shapes the world of tomorrow, we can ensure that the products of tomorrow arrive on time.
Get in touch with one of our logistics experts and find out what we can do to solve your unique manufacturing challenges.
Content on this page is paid for and provided by UPS, sponsor of the Exporting to New Markets hub on the Small Business Network.
