DIGITAL TWINS Krones digital twin simulation for beverage


production integrating AI agents and real-time optimisation. (Image: © Krones press, Dec 2025)


Marcus Schneider, Senior Process Engineer at Siemens. “For complex confectionery lines, this means we can test new formulations, change packaging setups, or introduce novel products without interrupting production.” “By simulating our supply chain


digitally, we can see the impact of a raw material delay or a shift in consumer demand without experiencing the disruption on the ground,” adds Karen Liu, Director of Supply Chain Innovation


at PepsiCo. “For seasonal confectionery, this predictive capability is a game changer.” Early pilot sites have already demonstrated tangible results: teams identified up to 90 percent of potential design and operational issues virtually, achieving a 20 percent increase in throughput and a 10–15 percent reduction in capital expenditure (CapEx) on initial deployments. Digital twin applications extend beyond the production floor. In March


2025, Dematic, part of the KION Group, showcased an AI-generated digital twin for intralogistics and warehouse systems. While not a confectionery line per se, the insights translate directly: operators can test storage layouts, optimise picking sequences, and forecast bottlenecks, helping manufacturers manage multiple SKUs, seasonal surges, and temperature- sensitive ingredients like cocoa, sugar, or milk powders. Chocolate moulding and high-speed


BY SIMULATING OUR SUPPLY CHAIN DIGITALLY, WE CAN SEE THE IMPACT OF A RAW


MATERIAL DELAY OR A SHIFT IN CONSUMER DEMAND WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE DISRUPTION ON THE GROUND,


– KAREN LIU, PEPSICO


28 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MARCH 2026


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