The Complete Guide to Additive Manufacturing Workflow & Digital Transformation
- Authentise Team
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Additive manufacturing has made huge leaps in capability - but for many organisations, the biggest challenges aren’t with the printers themselves. They’re with everything that happens around them.
From design control to material handling, from scheduling to post-processing, from testing to certification… AM workflows are complex. And without a connected system behind them, production becomes slower, less predictable, and hard to scale.
This guide brings together the most important topics manufacturers should understand when building reliable, traceable, and efficient additive operations. Each section links to a deeper article where you can explore the subject in detail.
Why AM Workflows Need a Connected Foundation
In AM, quality and repeatability depend on a huge number of interconnected steps:
Which design version was used
How supports were generated
Machine parameters and environmental data
Powder or material history
Operator decisions
Post-processing actions
Testing and certification results
When this information sits in different spreadsheets, emails, or isolated systems, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain consistency - especially in aerospace, medical, or defence environments.
Modern AM operations need a foundation that ties all this information together and makes it easy to control.
The articles below walk through each area of that foundation.
Understanding the Key Components of a Reliable AM Workflow
Additive MES — The Software Backbone of Scalable Production
Additive MES systems are designed specifically for the unique demands of AM. They help teams coordinate jobs, materials, machines, and people in one place.Learn how they support reliable, repeatable production:
➡️ Additive MES
Workflow Software — Eliminating Chaos and Improving Traceability
If you’ve ever lost track of a design version or chased down status updates manually, you’ve experienced why workflow software matters. This article explores how a connected workflow improves visibility, traceability, and day-to-day coordination.
Automation — Why It Only Works With the Right Data
Automation isn’t just about removing manual steps — it’s about giving software enough context to make good decisions. This article explains what “contextual automation” looks like in AM.
Design Version Control — Preventing Risk Before It Starts
Using the wrong design file is one of the easiest mistakes to make — and one of the most damaging.This guide breaks down how to control design versions and why it matters so much.
Material Management — Getting Powder and Consumables Right
Material handling is one of the biggest variables in AM quality. Good material management improves consistency, reduces waste, and strengthens compliance.This article explains what “good” really looks like.
Smart Manufacturing — Connecting Data for Better Decisions
Smart manufacturing isn’t just about sensors or dashboards. It’s about having data that tells a full story, so teams can act quickly and confidently.Explore what connected manufacturing looks like in practice:
Efficiency — Cutting Cycle Time Without Buying More Machines
Most AM bottlenecks aren’t at the printer. They’re in the surrounding workflow: scheduling, materials, testing, documentation.This article shows how to unlock more capacity using smarter processes.
Traceability — What Aerospace Needs and Why It’s Hard
Traceability is essential for certification, qualification, and supply chain confidence — but many AM teams still struggle with it. This article breaks down how to build strong, audit-ready traceability.
➡️ Traceability
Digital Thread — Connecting the Whole Supply Chain
A true digital thread links design, materials, machine data, operator actions, and testing into one continuous record. Learn why this matters — especially in multi-site or regulated environments.
Process Validation — Building Workflows That Hold Up in Audits
Process validation is one of the biggest hurdles in AM. This guide explains how to build repeatable, documented workflows that satisfy even the toughest regulators.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these topics represents one piece of a larger picture: A fully connected, transparent, and reliable additive manufacturing workflow.
When these elements work together, organisations gain:
predictable quality
audit-ready traceability
smoother collaboration
fewer delays and reruns
confidence in scaling AM
This guide is designed to help AM leaders understand the full landscape and explore practical steps toward more efficient, digital-first operations.
How Authentise Can Help
If you’re looking to modernise your AM workflows, Authentise offers tools that connect the entire lifecycle:
Authentise Flows — workflow automation and real-time operational insight
Authentise Materials Management — complete genealogy and material control
Authentise Threads — structured testing, documentation, and supplier collaboration
Digital Design Warehouse — secure design storage and version control
These solutions work together to provide the digital backbone that modern AM demands.
Want to Learn More or See These Tools in Action?
We’d be happy to walk you through how connected workflows can support your team’s goals.
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