Smart and Resilient Supply Chains: Role of Smart Supply Chain Mapping

In an increasingly interconnected and complex global economy, supply chains are exposed to frequent disruptions from natural disasters, economic shifts, and unforeseen crises such as pandemics. Traditional supply chain management methods, which often rely on static, linear models, are insufficient to address these challenges. Digital twin technology offers a transformative solution by creating a real-time, dynamic replica of the physical supply chain. This chapter explores how digital twin technology, integrated within a smart supply chain, enhances supply chain resilience across three key dimensions: readiness, response, and recovery. By continuously mapping the upstream, midstream, and downstream components of a supply chain, organizations can anticipate risks, act swiftly during disruptions, and recover efficiently to maintain operational continuity. The primary objective of this chapter is to demonstrate how smart supply chain mapping, powered by digital twin technology, can significantly improve organizational resilience. The chapter also explores the prerequisites for implementing real-time digital mapping, including the technological infrastructure and organizational readiness required to support such initiatives. The chapter employs a qualitative approach, drawing on a existing literature and reports, along with the authors’ understanding of emerging technologies in supply chain management. Furthermore, this chapter calls for future research to investigate the feasibility of implementing real-time, dynamic digital twin mapping in complex, multi-tiered global supply chains. As supply chains extend beyond immediate tiers, mapping each node becomes increasingly challenging due to the complexity and breadth of the network. Feasibility studies are crucial in evaluating the scalability and applicability of digital twins in diverse industries, ensuring that the technology can handle the vast amounts of data and the complexities of global supply networks. Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of digital twin technology for enhancing supply chain resilience.