Final answer:
The innovative example of postponement is 3D printing, as it allows for delaying product finalization until the point of need, aligning with the strategy of postponement in supply chain management. It enables on-demand production and can reduce inventory costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
An innovative example of postponement is c. 3D printing. Postponement is a strategy used in supply chain management where the final configuration of a product is delayed until the latest possible time. This is to better meet customer needs and reduce the inventory costs and risks. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, stands out as a postponement strategy since it allows for on-demand production of parts, which can drastically reduce the need for holding inventory. Moreover, it allows for customization at the point of manufacturing, which is closely aligned with the concept of postponement.
Examples of Disruptive Innovation
- The advent of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, which have radically changed retail.
- Smartphones, which have replaced a multitude of standalone gadgets and revolutionized communication.
- Renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines.
In contrast, the outsourcing of manufacturing, such as the move from clothing production in the U.S. to China, is not an example of postponement but of global production shifting due to economic factors like lower labor costs abroad.