Digital Twins an Enabler of Digitalization in Supply Chain

Digital twins, the virtual replicas of physical assets and processes are revolutionizing supply chain management by improving overall visibility, enabling accurate data-driven decision-making leading to operational efficiency. The chapter discusses the various definitions of digital twins, their types, and their potential benefits in specific to supply chain management are explored. Specific areas where digital twins have a significant impact on supply chain management such as how digital twins enhance supply chain visibility, increase efficiency and productivity, enhance collaboration and communication, and help in risk management and mitigation and contribute towards better customer satisfaction with lowered overall costs are detailed. Further, a ten-step process of implementing digital twins in existing supply chains and the associated challenges in implementation is presented in this chapter. To summarize, this chapter showcases the importance of digital twins as an enabler of digitalization in the supply chain by highlighting the potential benefits of using digital twins and how managers can unlock new opportunities for supply chain optimization and innovation in the digital era.