Digital twins – a virtual world for experimental optimization

What is a digital twin?

Digital twins are digital representations of virtual or actual physical objects and processes. To represent the properties and behaviors of the depicted objects as well as possible, digital twins are provided with historical or real-time data. Supported by modern technology such as sensor systems and artificial intelligence, digital twins make it possible to monitor processes and system characteristics, perform comprehensive system analyses and simulate risk scenarios or the effects of changes in the system configuration. In this way, they help businesses observe and plan processes.

Why should my business consider digital twin technology?

Major manufacturers from various industries have already set up digital twins of their supply chains, and academia has uncovered great potential for digital twin technology. Supply chain visibility and simulation tools are getting better and easier to use each year. At the same time, the volatility of the new “never normal” makes transparency across the supply chain more valuable than ever. Causes for disruptions can only be identified or even predicted if businesses have an overview of their supply chain and understand the effects of altering individual elements in their network. Thanks to the wide array of simulation opportunities, digital twins can additionally contribute to making planning activities of all kinds more efficient and sustainable.

Getting ahead of the trend

Digital twins can be helpful planning tools, especially in complex supply chains. They offer transparency over networks and processes, as well as the opportunity to test various future scenarios, supporting applications from risk management to proactive transportation management. Digital twins provide the chance to optimize existing networks and evaluate the effects of future investments before they are put in place. Digital twins have great potential to save businesses costs and effort – so it's advisable to assess whether investing in a digital twin of networks and processes will pay off.