The Application and Challenges of Emerging Technologies in Supply Chain Risk Management: A Case Study Based on Manufacturing

In the VUCA era, supply chain disruptions are increasingly frequent and severe, posing significant challenges to global manufacturing industries. This study investigates the application and challenges of emerging technologies, particularly digital twin (DT) technology, in supply chain risk management through a qualitative case study approach. Focusing on six manufacturing enterprises, three of which have deployed DT and three still rely on traditional models, this research aims to reveal the practical effectiveness and implementation obstacles of DT technology in risk identification, assessment, and response stages. Traditional risk management methods, often based on periodic assessments and static contingency plans, have proven inadequate in addressing sudden global crises, as exemplified by the 2023 Red Sea crisis's impact on the European automotive industry. This study employs document analysis of enterprise risk reports, audit records, and emergency response plans to demonstrate how DT technology can transform risk management into a proactive, predictive strategy. The findings show that DT technology enhances supply chain resilience by enabling real-time risk perception, dynamic simulation, and automated response. However, the adoption of DT technology also faces challenges such as organizational division, financial barriers, and human resistance to change. This research provides actionable guidelines for enterprises to navigate the complex path of digital transformation and offers a low-tech threshold risk management upgrade path, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers.