VIL launches Start2Twin - digitization gets a boost with digital twins

On November 27, 2024, VIL will officially launch the ambitious Start2Twin project. This initiative wants companies in Flanders to discover how digital twin technology can strengthen the logistics sector and support them in its implementation.

The relevance of digital twins

Digital twins are virtual copies of physical objects, processes or even entire supply chains. This innovative technology enables companies to visualize, simulate, model and optimize their processes. The result: more efficiency, less risk and better decision-making.

With Start2Twin, VIL supports companies with three concrete actions:

• Offering insight: Companies discover what it takes to get started with digital twins and learn how to strategically deploy this technology.
• Gaining practical experience: Three concrete use cases demonstrate the added value of digital twins in practice.
• Providing tools: Low-threshold tools such as a roadmap and costing are being developed so that companies can easily take their first steps toward digital twins.

Digital twins in practice

Several project participants are exploring how digital twins can optimize their processes. For example, Thomas Isebaert, Business Improvement Manager at TVH Parts, states, "One of TVH's strengths and challenges lies in the ample inventory we offer. With a digital twin of our warehouses, we would gain real-time insight that would allow us to test different scenarios and improve processes without disruptions, with the goal of offering lower costs, more efficient operations, better inventory management and optimal customer service." Sarah Vanheusden, Warehouse Engineer at Power Tools Distribution, also emphasizes the importance of innovation: "At Power Tools Distribution, we believe in the power of innovation and forward thinking. By participating in the Start2Twin project, we ensure that we remain future-ready and maximize the opportunities of digital twins. Data is the key to the future, and with the help of digital twins, we want to use this data in the right way to gain the best insights and further optimize our logistics processes."

Target

The project is aimed at all companies that want to improve their logistics processes, as well as digital twin technology providers. Both small, medium and large companies can participate and benefit from practical guidance and clear tools to get started successfully.

Digitization as a catalyst

With Start2Twin, VIL emphasizes its ambition to make logistics operators future proof. This project emphasizes the power of technology to open new doors and further position Flanders as the logistics leader in Europe.

Project participants: Aertssen Logistics, Atlas Copco, Bussels Airport, Greenyard, Handico, ID Logistics, Trucking, Logflow, Mr. Watts, Power Tools Distribution, Scania Parts Logistics, Siemens, TVH Parts and Vintecc

Project partner: Flanders Make

This project is co-funded by VLAIO.