Abstract

This article examines digital twins' applications and future directions in supply chain management. Digital twins, virtual representations of physical objects or processes, revolutionize supply chain operations by providing real-time insights and predictive capabilities. The global digital twin market is projected to reach $48.2 billion by 2026, driven by the need for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance across industries. The article discusses the key components of supply chain digital twins, their implementation in the distribution industry, and their numerous benefits, including enhanced visibility, improved forecasting, risk mitigation, and increased efficiency. Challenges such as data integration and skill shortages are also addressed. The article concludes by exploring future directions, including AI integration, IoT expansion, blockchain integration, extended reality interfaces, and cross industry collaboration, highlighting the transformative potential of digital twins in creating more resilient, agile, and intelligent supply networks.