Visibility is a massive challenge for most supply chains. Businesses often don’t know what’s going on past their tier-one suppliers, so disruptions and delays can hit suddenly and unexpectedly. As persistent as the problem is, 4D digital twins could provide a solution.
What Are 4D Digital Twins?
A 4D digital twin combines conventional digital twin technology with artificial intelligence (AI). Many supply chain organizations today already use digital twins — virtual replicas of their supplier networks that let them simulate changes to inform strategic moves. Introducing AI into the equation heightens their abilities.
4D digital twins may use machine learning models to analyze the simulated supply chain to streamline decision-making or predict future changes. Alternatively, they could compile incoming data into a cohesive, understandable format to make the digital twin more informative and reliable. Whatever the specifics, this field capitalizes on AI’s speed and accuracy to make simulations increasingly helpful.
The general digital twin market is already on track to be worth $154 billion by 2030, signifying how much optimism supply chain professionals have in this technology. AI integration could push it even further.
Benefits of 4D Digital Twins in Supply Chain Management
AI-powered 4D digital twins enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency along several fronts. Here’s a closer look at how this technology can revolutionize the sector.
Real-Time Decision-Making
One of the biggest effects of integrating automation technology for improved supply chain performance is the ability to capitalize on real-time data. In a conventional digital twin, it takes time to add new information, so any simulations may not reflect the current situation. AI can introduce and process data at the same time, enabling much faster decision-making.
A 4D digital twin can detect incoming disruptions as warning signs emerge and alert relevant stakeholders immediately. As a result, they can lead to 50% less annual downtime, 41.7% higher inventory turnover and a five-day drop in average lead times.
Automatic Updating
Similarly, AI can automatically adjust digital twins as an organization changes. In a conventional setup, a virtual model reflects a set point and time, so it must make a new one any time the supply chain restructures or it gathers new data. AI streamlines that process to maximize the technology’s efficiency benefits.
4D digital twins can incorporate data from a much wider array of sources and sensors. They then use it to create a dynamic replica that grows and adapts as the real-world supply chain does. Consequently, companies avoid any downtime related to updating these models, extending their visibility advantages to be available around the clock.
Enhanced Predictive Capabilities
4D digital twins also help brands utilize predictive analytics for better supply chain management. Simulating potential changes is one of the key ways businesses use virtual models to optimize their supplier networks, and AI enhances this capability thanks to real-time data analytics and greater predictive abilities.
Machine learning can note subtle trends in data and use them to predict what will likely happen. As a result, companies can use digital twins not just to test possible outcomes but to replicate what’s likeliest to occur in their supply chain. The same functionality lets them see the effectiveness of various responses so they can prepare to mitigate disruption as much as possible.
4D Digital Twins Could Revolutionize Supply Chains
Digital twins are already becoming a crucial supply chain technology. Taking them from 3D to 4D with the help of AI is a natural next step. It doesn’t radically change how virtual replicas operate but doubles down on the features and capabilities that already make them useful.
This upgrade means 4D digital twins hold substantial potential for the future of the supply chain industry. As more key players embrace them, global business will run more efficiently than ever.
About the author:
Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated.com, and has over 5 years of writing experience in the industry. Her work has been featured on The National Association of Realtors, the American Society of Home Inspectors, and other reputable publications. For more from Rose, you can follow her on X.
