Measuring the influence of digital twins on the sustainability of manufacturing supply chain: A mediating role of supply chain resilience and performance

Abstract

The advent of digitalization in the manufacturing sector has provided businesses with a chance to boost output and efficiency. As a result of digitalization, today's interconnected, automated systems in the factory and office can be more smoothly integrated. Many businesses consider sustainability, supply chain resilience (SCR), and supply chain performance (SCP) as the central tenet of their company's strategy for adapting to the innovations of the digital twins (DT). It is interesting to note that it is difficult to find any research study that specifically discusses the role of digital twins in improving sustainability. Also, this research has measured digital twins' influence on sustainability and identified the mediating role of SCR and SCP upon supply chain sustainability. This research identifies how the SCP and SCR impact the relationship between digital twins and sustainability. This work utilized partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypothesis relationships. Data were collected from 203 respondents working in the manufacturing supply chain (MSC) area to fulfill objectives, employing closed-ended questionnaires. The results showed that digitalization has a considerable effect on supply chain sustainability. SCR and SCP are also shown to play a pivotal mediating function between DT and sustainability. Our findings have significant consequences for managers looking to implement DT to improve their supply chains' resilience, performance, and sustainability. Based on the results of this research, using DT can greatly improve the standard of supply chain operations. Helping businesses anticipate supply chain disruptions primarily benefits the preparedness aspect of the supply chain. The supply chain processes are also made more adaptable and robust, which aids businesses in dealing with interruptions.