What is a DTSC? The concept of DTSC has been considered by several articles. According to
Busse et al. (2021), a DTSC is “a digital simulation model of a real logistics system, which features a long-term, bidirectional and timely data-link to that system”. The authors propose a general framework, including modules of supply chain, optimization, simulation, reporting, and interface.
Ivanov and Dolgui (2021) identify a DTSC as “a computerized model that represents network states for any given moment in real time”.
Haag and Simon (2019) suggest that implementing DTs provides the possibility for companies to model real-world assets and their interactions in arbitrary magnitude and level of detail.
Li et al. (2020) propose a five-dimensional framework of a sustainable business model under the DTSC concept. Recently,
Kalaboukas et al. (2021) propose the concept of cognitive DTs for SCM, which are capable of predicting trends and flexible enough in dynamic environments. In addition to these general conceptual development, the DTSC concept has been discussed in several specified application fields, including circular supply chain (
Preut et al., 2021), food supply chain (
Smetana et al., 2021;
Shoji et al., 2022), global port management (
Wang et al., 2021), and logistics (
Lee and Lee, 2021;
Moshood et al., 2021;
Park et al., 2021). In summary, the core functionality of a DTSC is to provide an integrated and holistic view, which enables all stakeholders to contribute jointly to the creation across different supply chain stages (
Ducree et al., 2020;
Yang et al., 2020).