Since its launch, PartsVault has seen rapid and widespread adoption by both UK and international companies, a clear signal that the market has been waiting for a solution like this. The strong uptake reflects a growing demand for more flexible, resilient supply chains, with manufacturers recognising the value of digital inventory as a practical response to business uncertainty. For many, PartsVault has quickly become a critical tool in reducing risk, improving responsiveness, and moving away from outdated models of stockpiling and overproduction.
Growing Need for Digital Inventory Amid Global Disruptions
The quick success of PartsVault is due in part to the geopolitical and economic instability that continues to disrupt global supply chains, forcing manufacturers to rethink how they source, store, and deliver parts.
Key challenges driving this shift include:
- The return of Trump-era tariffs
- The ongoing war in Ukraine
- A volatile economic climate marked by inflation and rising freight costs
Cloud-Based, On-Demand Manufacturing Capabilities
PartsVault allows customers to:
- Securely store part files in the cloud
- Trigger production only when and where needed
Manufactured in-house at 3D People’s ISO 9001-certified UK facility, parts can be produced without the delays, costs, and risks associated with warehousing or overseas shipping.
Shifting Away from Traditional Inventory Models
This model represents a significant shift. Instead of stockpiling physical inventory and relying on just-in-time shipments from across the globe, PartsVault enables companies to create a virtual inventory—a buffer that absorbs volatility without inflating overheads.
“For years, companies have been talking about the need to build resilience into their supply chains. PartsVault is our answer to that, a real, working solution that fits the world we’re living in now,” says Sasha Bruml, Co-Founder of 3D People.
Version Control and Repeat Order Efficiency
UK-based businesses see the advantages of PartsVault straight away. The platform allows users to:
- Store up-to-date design files to avoid outdated versions in production
- Save production settings with each part for consistent quality
- Easily manage repeat orders and control versioning
This helps companies maintain reliability while embracing Just-in-Time manufacturing and is ideal for those aiming to:
- Cut down on stockholding costs
- Better manage variable demand without compromising on quality
Localised Production for International Businesses
For international businesses serving the UK market, PartsVault offers a simple and cost-effective way to localise production without establishing physical infrastructure.
“Traditional stockpiling strategies are struggling to hold up in the current geopolitical climate. PartsVault lets manufacturers keep control without tying up capital or taking unnecessary risks,” adds Felix Manley, Co-Founder of 3D People. “We’ve seen first-hand how on-demand production can shift the balance in favour of speed, flexibility, and smarter decision-making.”
Strategic Evolution for Modern Manufacturing
3D People positions PartsVault not as a trend-driven feature, but as a necessary evolution in manufacturing strategy. As the return of tariffs threatens to reintroduce trade barriers, and the reliability of global logistics becomes increasingly uncertain, the ability to produce parts locally and on demand is seen by 3D People as a strategic imperative.
