Distributed Rapid Manufacturing Using 3D Printers For Disaster Relief (Part2)

So, now that I have discussed crowd sourcing of devices for disaster relief. I will discuss very broadly logistics of distribution.

The distribution of such devices during times of emergency a a fluid and complex process, not every disaster is the same and in many cases nor is the location optimal. I will be simplifying a lot of this process during this post.

Utilizing an existing Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) to aid in the distribution would be the easiest traditional step with all of the accompanying bureaucracy. However, perhaps in certain disasters the distribution networks of small to medium businesses could be utilized.

For example, my employers distributor in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami was going door to door checking on his customers, which were doctors and dentists. So, we could use the distributor to allot the rapidly manufactured devices to the doctors and dentists which in turn distribute the devices to their patients. Again that wouldn't work in all cases; however, during a disaster of that scale every little bit matters.

Tomorrow or the next day, I will post on maintaining quality control on rapidly manufactured devices for disaster relief.