This video talks about digital twins in the supply chain, a topic that's getting a lot of attention. Keith Moore, CEO of AutoCuler AI, shares his thoughts on whether they're really as good as people say, or if they're just a costly idea that doesn't quite deliver.
The Digital Twin Buzz
Companies are putting a lot of time and money into building them. The idea is to have a virtual copy of your entire supply chain. You could theoretically use it to test out changes, predict problems, and make things run smoother.
The Reality Check
But here's the thing: building a digital twin is really hard. Keith Moore points out that most businesses struggle to create an accurate model of their complex supply chain.
Think about all the moving parts – suppliers, factories, trucks, warehouses, customers – it’s a massive puzzle. Trying to get all that data and make it work in a virtual model is a huge undertaking.
And then there's the cost. These projects aren't cheap. You need specialized software, skilled people, and a lot of computing power. After all that investment, the actual value you get back can be pretty small. It’s like spending a fortune on a fancy tool that you can barely use because it’s too complicated or doesn’t quite do what you need it to.
Is AI Overhyped?
While we're on the topic of tech trends, Keith also touches on artificial intelligence, specifically agentic AI. He doesn't think AI itself is overhyped. Instead, he believes the hype is just moving too fast. He sees AI as something that will eventually change how businesses operate and how we ship goods, but we're still in the early stages.
The Verdict (For Now)
So, are digital twins worth it right now? Based on what Keith is saying, probably not for most companies. The complexity and cost often outweigh the benefits. It’s not that the idea is bad – the concept of a digital twin is promising.
It’s just that the technology and our ability to model supply chains accurately enough aren't quite there yet. Maybe in the future, as things get simpler and cheaper, digital twins will become more practical. But for now, it seems like a lot of hype for something that's still a work in progress.
