Digital twins and their economically effective using in the logistics field

The characteristics of digital twin technology are given and its use in the field of logistics operations is described. The digitalization of business processes and current concepts of Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0, the possibility of using simulation models in the context of improving the technological base of information systems are considered. The need for digitalization in modern Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 is indicated, since currently the most effective way to improve production, speed of transportation, and responsiveness of an organization’s business processes is the introduction of digital technologies, one of which is a digital twin. With its help, it becomes possible to create virtual copies of warehouses, conveyors and even cities. The introduction of this technology provides new opportunities for data analysis and risk-free forecasting of scenarios for the behavior of a digital model, and conducting all kinds of stress tests. When integrated with Internet of Things technology, data can be analyzed in real time and compared with other digitized objects. This approach helps improve the efficiency of both the specific problematic element of the supply chain and the entire system as a whole. It is also possible to improve the safety of workers; the model independently learns from its mistakes using machine learning and displays the results of its activities to people. Digital twins not only show a copy of the required element, but also understand its dynamics, predict behavior, and are also capable of analyzing their own activities.