Leveraging Digital Twins to Foster Human-Centered, Resilient Supply Chains

Abstract

A digital twin is a virtual replica of physical assets, processes, or systems that integrates real-time data and advanced simulation techniques. Aligned with Industry 5.0, digital twins in supply chains emphasize collaboration between human expertise and digital models, ensuring that human-centered values such as flexibility, resilience, and sustainability are embedded into operations. This approach allows digital twins to incorporate feedback from human decision-makers, enhancing their ability to adapt to evolving demands and disruptions while fostering a more socially responsible and efficient supply chain. The goal of this research is to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and increase resilience within supply chains by creating dynamic, real-time models of various supply chain components through digital twins. Additionally, the research aims to display an example use case, including a platform where different supply chain stakeholders can collaborate, share data, and test scenarios in a virtual environment. This platform will facilitate proactive planning by simulating various disruptions, such as supplier delays or market fluctuations, to assess their potential impact and develop mitigation strategies. Ultimately, the research seeks to transform traditional supply chain management by offering a more agile, efficient, and resilient system equipped to handle the complexities of global markets and the increasing demand for transparency and sustainability.