Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a term used in the fields of Industry and Factory 4.0, digital marketplaces and automation. This modern form of production works in a similar way to familiar platforms from other sectors, but for the manufacture of products.
Instead of owning machines and production facilities themselves, companies can flexibly "rent" production capacities from MaaS service providers. They submit their production requests via online platforms. The platform then connects them with companies that have the right machines and expertise and can produce the desired parts.
For example, a start-up wants to launch a new device on the market but does not have its own factory. A MaaS platform makes it possible to find various providers for 3D printing, laser cutting or injection moulding - and have the required components manufactured directly there.
MaaS makes production faster, cheaper and more efficient. For small and medium-sized companies in particular, this makes it much easier and cheaper to test or produce new products. There is no longer any need for large investments in machinery - everything is organised flexibly, digitally and on demand.
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