SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY

DIGITAL TWINS EXPLAINED

McKinsey & Company describes digital twins as virtual replicas of physical objects, people or processes that can be used to simulate their behaviour to better understand how they work in reality. Digital twins are linked to real data sources from the environment, which means the twin updates in real time to reflect the original version.

They also comprise a layer of behavioral insights and visualisations derived from data. When interconnected within one system, digital twins can create a digital and often immersive environment that replicates and connects every aspect of an organisation to optimise simulations, scenario planning and decision-making.

McKinsey outlines several different kinds of digital twins:

• Product twin: A representation of a product at various stages of the life cycle, from initial concept design and engineering through to full functionality.

• Data twin: A real-life example of this variety of a digital twin is Google Maps, which serves as a twin of the Earth’ s surface and harnesses real-time traffic data.

• Systems twins: Models the interaction between physical and digital processes, including manufacturing processes, end-to-end supply chain management, store operations and customer journeys.

• Infrastructure twin: Represents physical infrastructure such as a highway, building or even a stadium.

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