When you look around at the modern economy, there are few technologies that are taking off as fast and as far as 3D printing. Practically unheard of just a few years ago, 3D printing using metals is now underpinning what some experts are calling the next industrial revolution. Leading the way in this exploding marketplace (estimated to be growing at 15%) are a handful of technology innovators, including a newly minted unit of General Electric called GE Additive.

The company is harnessing next-generation "additive manufacturing" technology to rewrite the rules for how companies design, build and create products. Instead of building things traditionally by "subtracting" materials, 3D printing allows you to literally start with nothing and watch it grow. The technique is driving breakthroughs in manufacturing efficiency. For example, using advanced 3D printing techniques, GE Additive has been able to cut the weight of an engine piston in half and increase the efficiency of turboprops by 10%.

GE Additive's unified ERP and supply chain cloud will enable the seamless integration of newly acquired businesses, while supporting the rollout of new capabilities and continuous process improvement across the growing enterprise. "We looked at this as a unique opportunity to add value to customers," Stammen says.