Customised Medical Grade Footwear - Technology Readiness

New technologies offer opportunities for the industry to innovate through digital transformation (DT) which will enable better, cheaper, faster and more customized solutions to treat problem feet. 

Specifically, the use of digital scanning of problem feet is the first step of transitioning digitally connected supply chain processes. The digital scanning assists in securing a more accurate shape and weight distribution than existing technologies. The digital scanned image of problem feet can be shared with supply chain members for identifying design requirements, production of lasts and customized orthopedic shoes using computer aided design and additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) technology. 

The three stage digital processes- digital scanning, digital design and digital production- offer a more affordable and timely delivery of customized shoes for the people living with problem feet.  

Despite the potential, numerous problems impede the digital transformation process of the customised medical grade footwear industry, for example the lack of understanding of the new digital processes, shortage of technology infrastructure and skills, information sharing with the supply chain members and data privacy issues are some of the concerns. 

Even though the benefits of digital scanning, design and manufacturing through digital transformation are many, existing studies fall short of explaining the digital transformation of the industry.

This study seeks to explore the technology readiness of the industry to adopt and transition to a digitally connected supply chain.