Mr. D’Aveni has assembled some thought-provoking ideas about the implications of an important type of technology in which investment is rising fast. The problem is that he gets carried away by enthusiasm for his own dramatic visions. Too much of The Pan-Industrial Revolution reads like promotional material for 3D printing ... His breezy description may cause the unwary reader to envision fully formed engines popping out of printers ... Wherever Mr. D’Aveni finds a company experimenting with 3D printing, whether in making an aircraft engine or a car, he extrapolates straight to smashing success and market domination ... The rise of pan-industrials, he proclaims, is inevitable ... In other words, if the revolution doesn’t happen, it’s their fault.
D'Aveni believes the new economy will be a boon but recognizes possible adverse effects such as increased unemployment ... Not for casual readers, this book is both speculative and informative and probably longer than it needs to be. It will interest primarily those involved with operations management.
His readable, well-researched book traces the rise of 3-D printing ... he offers vivid accounts of how AM [additive manufacturing] is playing out today ... Focusing on business (as opposed to technical) aspects, the author details the many benefits of AM and its likely social consequences ... Essential business reading, with advice on how manufacturers can join the AM bandwagon.
D’Aveni...predicts the widespread adoption of 3-D printing and other kinds of 'additive manufacturing' in this persuasive, if shallow, business treatise ... D’Aveni largely neglects the downside of the system he foresees, only glancingly mentioning potential societal ills ... However, he lays out his economic case with clarity and intelligence, and the average reader will be left with the urge to go buy stock in 3-D printer companies right away.