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Digital Supply Chain Twins—Conceptual Clarification, Use Cases and Benefits

Author

Listed:
  • Benno Gerlach

    (Chair of Logistics, Berlin University of Technology, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

  • Simon Zarnitz

    (Chair of Logistics, Berlin University of Technology, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

  • Benjamin Nitsche

    (Chair of Logistics, Berlin University of Technology, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

  • Frank Straube

    (Chair of Logistics, Berlin University of Technology, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Background : Digital supply chain twins (DSCT) are gaining increased attention in academia and practice as they emerge as one of the most important trends in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). Still, there seems to be no common understanding of the term in scientific literature. Moreover, the broad field of LSCM allows for a multitude of feasible application areas and use cases , yet there exists no conclusive list of them as to date. Methods : This study builds upon a systematic literature review of 66 DSCT articles to identify application areas of DSCT in LSCM as well as specific use cases and their respective intended benefits . Results : To start with, the study derives a unified definition of DSCTs, including possible scopes of applications. Afterwards, five application areas of DSCT in LSCM are synthesized as well as 14 individual use cases and their respective intended benefits. Conclusions : The study leads towards a conceptual clarification of DSCT that is of importance for research and practice alike. For managers it additionally provides up-to-date use cases to guide DSCT applications in practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Benno Gerlach & Simon Zarnitz & Benjamin Nitsche & Frank Straube, 2021. "Digital Supply Chain Twins—Conceptual Clarification, Use Cases and Benefits," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:5:y:2021:i:4:p:86-:d:696329
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Min, Qingfei & Lu, Yangguang & Liu, Zhiyong & Su, Chao & Wang, Bo, 2019. "Machine Learning based Digital Twin Framework for Production Optimization in Petrochemical Industry," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 502-519.
    2. Christian F. Durach & Joakim Kembro & Andreas Wieland, 2017. "A New Paradigm for Systematic Literature Reviews in Supply Chain Management," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 53(4), pages 67-85, October.
    3. Ícaro Romolo Sousa Agostino & Eike Broda & Enzo M. Frazzon & Michael Freitag, 2020. "Using a Digital Twin for Production Planning and Control in Industry 4.0," International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, in: Boris Sokolov & Dmitry Ivanov & Alexandre Dolgui (ed.), Scheduling in Industry 4.0 and Cloud Manufacturing, chapter 0, pages 39-60, Springer.
    4. Haße, Hendrik & Li, Bin & Weißenberg, Norbert & Cirullies, Jan & Otto, Boris, 2019. "Digital twin for real-time data processing in logistics," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Kersten, Wolfgang & Blecker, Thorsten & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management: Innovative Approaches for Supply Chains. Proceedings of the Hamburg Int, volume 27, pages 4-28, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.
    5. Dmitry Ivanov & Alexandre Dolgui & Ajay Das & Boris Sokolov, 2019. "Digital Supply Chain Twins: Managing the Ripple Effect, Resilience, and Disruption Risks by Data-Driven Optimization, Simulation, and Visibility," International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, in: Dmitry Ivanov & Alexandre Dolgui & Boris Sokolov (ed.), Handbook of Ripple Effects in the Supply Chain, pages 309-332, Springer.
    6. Konstantinos Mykoniatis & Gregory A. Harris, 2021. "A digital twin emulator of a modular production system using a data-driven hybrid modeling and simulation approach," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer, vol. 32(7), pages 1899-1911, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tsega Y. Melesse & Chiara Franciosi & Valentina Di Pasquale & Stefano Riemma, 2023. "Analyzing the Implementation of Digital Twins in the Agri-Food Supply Chain," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Benjamin Nitsche & Frank Straube, 2023. "Current State and Future of International Logistics Networks—The Role of Digitalization and Sustainability in a Globalized World," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-9, November.

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