Leveraging Digital Twins for Air Cargo Supply Chain Optimization

The air cargo industry, pivotal for transporting high-value and urgent shipments, constitutes less than 5% of global trade volume by weight yet accounts for nearly one-third of its value. Despite its importance, digitization within this industry lags, primarily due to its complexity and involvement of multiple stakeholders. However, a promising solution lies in the integration of digital twins powered by the One Record linked-data standard.

The Role of Digital Twins in Air Cargo

A digital twin replicates physical processes in a virtual environment, enabling real-time data reflection and operational simulation. In the air cargo supply chain, digital twins can provide holistic optimization without necessitating full transparency between stakeholders, which is often a roadblock in collaborative environments.

Introducing One Record: A Unified Data Standard

The One Record standard, is set to revolutionize data exchange in the air cargo supply chain by 2026. Unlike traditional airway bills (AWB), One Record employs a piece-centric approach, assigning unique identifiers to individual cargo pieces and ensuring a single source of truth through decentralized data exchange. This framework facilitates:

• Transparent and consistent data updates.
• Real-time communication via subscription features for stakeholders.
• Reduction of redundant and conflicting data transmission.

Simulation Model Development

Using Simulation software, a digital twin model for a forwarder-driven air cargo supply chain. This model integrates One Record data to simulate key processes, such as:

• Cargo buildup and breakdown.
• Workforce allocation.
• Inbound and outbound shipment handling.

The digital twin allowed for the simulation of operational scenarios, highlighting potential bottlenecks and the impact of workforce variations or equipment failures.

Benefits of the One Record-Driven Approach

The integration of One Record into digital twin models offers several advantages:

1. Improved Workload Prediction: Downstream partners receive real-time updates about shipment statuses, enabling proactive resource planning.
2. Enhanced Efficiency: Automation of event-driven updates minimizes manual interventions and operational delays.
3. Resilient Operations: By simulating disruptions like late arrivals or reduced capacity, stakeholders can devise effective mitigation strategies.

While the potential of digital twins is evident, the lack of real-world One Record data poses a challenge for immediate validation.