Digital Twin Design and Evaluation for Dynamically Optimised Distribution Strategy in Food Supply Chains: An Exploratory Case Study

M. R. Valero*, O. Schiffmann, A. Nassehi, B. J. Hicks

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Up to 31% of food goods, especially fresh and perishable ones, are wasted during the transportation and storage. Products’ innate susceptibility to spoilage, unexpected issues, and shifting conditions post-strategy commencement are among the manifold reasons for distribution strategy failure in the food supply chain (FSC). Dynamically optimised distribution (DOD) methods can help distribution strategies to adapt and respond to unforeseen changes in today’s complex, connected and interdependent FSC. Building on Digital Twins (DTs) superior connectivity and actuation capabilities, this paper proposes a new DT-based method for DOD in the FSC, from DT design to modelling and evaluation in AnyLogic. Initial simulation results from a UK-based case study show that DT-enabled DOD could bring savings of more than £25,000 in direct costs and 150 tonnes of CO2 per shipment in a typical 20-tonne transport refrigeration unit (TRU). Benefits are compounded by potential fuel savings of up 132 L per year and TRU due to DT-enabled DOD dynamic carrier re-routing capabilities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFlexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
Subtitle of host publicationEstablishing Bridges for More Sustainable Manufacturing Systems - Proceedings of FAIM 2023
EditorsFrancisco J. Silva, Luís Pinto Ferreira, José Carlos Sá, Maria Teresa Pereira, Carla M.A. Pinto
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages687-695
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9783031381645
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event32nd International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, FAIM 2023 - Porto, Portugal
Duration: 18 Jun 202322 Jun 2023

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering
ISSN (Print)2195-4356
ISSN (Electronic)2195-4364

Conference

Conference32nd International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, FAIM 2023
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityPorto
Period18/06/2322/06/23

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgements. This research was supported by the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership and RAEng (EXP-2122-2-115). The authors would like to thank A. H. Mckinnell, M. N. M. Pauzi and T. Sparham for their contribution on the research leading to this work.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Keywords

  • Digital Twins
  • Food
  • Supply Chain

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