Integrated Digital Twins in Prefabricated Construction Supply Chain Coordination

Abstract

The construction industry is transitioning from traditional methods to an industrialized approach, aligning more closely with manufacturing systems where operational efficiency is key to project success. This shift is notably challenging within the prefabricated construction supply chain due to the complexity inherent in combining construction and manufacturing systems, each with its unique characteristics that differ from simpler systems. To effectively manage these complexities, digital twin-enabled simulations offer valuable insights into system behavior, enabling more effective management strategies. However, implementing these advanced simulations requires sophisticated techniques, as current methods often focus on single aspects, neglecting other crucial elements of supply chain management. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing a novel digital simulation approach that enhances supply chain coordination through a mixed-method framework. This framework integrates both micro-level constraints and macro-level tactical decisions, creating feedback loops between different layers of the system. A case study is conducted using supply chain tactics involving inventory and capacity buffers based on the developed model. The study contributes to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the operational functions of digital twins and offering insights for future academic model development in the prefabricated construction supply chain. It enhances the understanding of operational efficiency and supply chain coordination in this evolving field for both researchers and practitioners.