Digital Twins

We often listen to the term DIGITAL TWIN. let's explore this term so that we can understand it easily. With the increasing trend of IoT, AI, and machine learning, it is very important to learn about it.

Digital Twins illustration (Source: www.zeolearn.com)

Definition

A digital twin is a digital replica of a living or non-living physical entity. Digital twin refers to a digital replica of potential and actual physical assets (physical twin), processes, people, places, systems and devices that can be used for various purposes(Wikipedia).

                     Development in the technological field has empowered organizations to expand the supply chain surplus while constantly understanding and fulfilling clients' developing needs. Organizations endeavor to satisfy the consistently changing client needs through real-time data and planning systems that are responsive enough. Innovation through Digital Twin coupled with Internet of Things (IoT) is the route forward. 

What is a Digital Twin? 

A digital twin can be characterized as a computerized duplicate or imitation (programming portrayal or virtual image) of a physical substance, a product, an asset or even a process. Representing the combination of the real and the virtual world through a virtual model i.e. Digital twin stimulates the physical as well as the behavior aspect of the product or asset. The virtual model can be imagined, analysed, comprehended and it is additionally possible to anticipate, predict or enhance its performance. This is done through sensors which are incorporated into physical components making it conceivable to catch and transmit the data which is analysed to uncover the opportunities. Introducing lo? The sensors can help the organization itself, yet also increase the productivity of its inventory network accomplices and avoid potential interruptions. 

Application

With the assistance of digital twin innovation, organizations are not just able to comprehend their products or procedures better, yet in addition to adapting and improving them as per the related client needs. Sharing the data both within the company and with supply chain partners can help avoid any potential planning disasters. The innovation additionally empowers organizations to drive the business forward. For instance, digital twins show great promise in health care. By synthesising and tracking patient data through medical records, medication history, imaging studies and patient-provided health data, health care professionals have the potential to identify information gaps in a patient's medical records. Similarly, for a supply chain, a digital twin can help cut costs and deliver value. it provides a platform to create your supply chain digital twin and enhance your operational and tactical decision making. A digital twin may represent part of a supply chain or its whole. Digital twins can give a real-time view of what’s happening with equipment or other physical assets, they have been very helpful in manufacturing to reduce maintenance issues and ensure optimal production output. 

Benefits of Digital Twin 

An organization that uses digital twin in its supply chain enables itself to react quickly to changing conditions and unexpected circumstances, thus making the supply chain more agile by minimizing the risks of failure through easy detection of defects and reducing the maintenance cost. Sharing real-time information with supply chain partners can help in reliable decision making and foster transparency in material flow and schedule synchronization, thus matching the supply with the demand. The holistic decision making through a highly responsive supply chain enabled by digital twin technology helps an organization achieve its financial and strategic objectiveness in the long run. 

--(source-kaizen IIM Rohtak and internet)