In our dynamic global markets, an optimal configuration of global production networks can lead to significant competitive advantages. Thus, managers face the challenge to consider a multitude of influence factors and interdependencies when designing production networks. In a contribution for ZWF – Zeitschrift für wirtschaftlichen Fabrikbetrieb, the authors Philipp Miedler, Yakup Kalkan, Georg Neumüller and Martin Leitner, all consultants at Syngroup, explain how a digital twin can support managerial decision-making processes in this context. The twin’s scalable data model describes highly complex networks in their full comprehensiveness and allows scenario simulation. Moreover, its visualization facilitates communication and easier decision-making.

Read the full article: Simulation-supported optimization of global production networks

Dr Philipp Miedler studied metallurgy at the University of Leoben and completed his degree in the field of strategic management of global production networks at the Institute for Technology Management at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). He manages the Syngroup site in Feldkirch and supports global manufacturing companies with strategic issues as a senior manager.

Yakup Kalkan studied mechanical engineering at the TU Wien specialising in conveyor technology and production automation. His focus as a consultant at Syngroup is on operational excellence and digitalisation.

Georg Neumüller studied Technical Mathematics at the TU WIEN and Applied and Computational Mathematics at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. As a consultant at Syngroup, his focus is on the digitalisation of supply chains, both operationally and in the area of strategic network optimisation.

Dr Martin Leitner holds a doctorate in physics with a focus on “computer-aided physics” in the field of solid-state physics. Since leaving his position as a research assistant at the University of Vienna, he has been working as a management consultant at Syngroup, specialising in industrial consulting.

Zeitschrift für wirtschaftlichen Fabrikbetrieb, published by De Gruyter Wissenschaftsverlag, provides new insights into production technology and up-to-date knowledge about industrial production processes. The guiding question is always the economic efficiency of production processes – from product development and design, manufacturing and assembly, sales and maintenance to the return of decommissioned products. In addition to the networking and digitalisation of traditional industries, human labour is of considerable importance. Modern and economical factory operation requires a holistic approach, which ZWF makes its guiding principle.

NOTICE

The article is a peer-reviewed scientific paper by the members of the ZWF Advisory Board (Peer-Review).