Jettainer is forging ahead with the creation of digital counterparts for every Unit Load DeviceĀ (ULD) within its fleet, which numbers around 100,000 units. Each one of these digital twins is anĀ exact virtual image of the respective physical ULD. The gathering and smart combination ofĀ comprehensive lifecycle data yield valuable insights and enable Jettainer to optimize the use ofĀ ULDs economically as well as environmentally.
Complementing its physical fleet of around 100,000 ULDs, Jettainer is gradually enhancing its fleet ofĀ digital twins for each of its units. These virtual images pool data about every single step within the lifetimeĀ of the respective ULD. They provide access to all relevant information at a glance, are the base forautomated decision-making and allow Jettainer to further optimize the use of each ULD within its totalĀ lifecycle.
Each digital twin processes data from three main sources: JettWare – Jettainerās steering and trackingĀ system, Jettainerās asset database, and its repair flow management. The smart solution clusters all ULD-specific information, starting with the unique identifier, the exact type, and specifications, the manufacturer,
the date of manufacturing and purchasing. It processes all past steering and repair events, repair specifics,Ā and processes real-time information on condition, status, and location. With every gradual developmentĀ step of its digital twin fleet, Jettainer improves analysis of data and automatedĀ workflows. This enables the industry expert to continuously optimize its decision-making in regards to steering, positioning, andĀ storage of ULDs, deciding on the extent of repairs, or identifying the ideal end-of-life time with a scrapĀ of a unit. With this approach, Jettainer does not only optimize the use of resources economically but also environmentally.
Digital twins will offer a multitude of enhancement options in the future, too. Whilst the focus is currentlyĀ on the lifecycle optimization of each single ULD, the combination of all insights and further application ofĀ artificial intelligence (AI) will lay the foundation for even more accurate and detailed forecasting. Jettaineralready has an AI-based decision support system in place for ULD steering and sees great potential inĀ creating and applying predictive models for example for ULD fleet renewal and overall purchasingĀ decisions.
āDigitization and the use of data has always been an integral part of Jettainer. The more data that isĀ available, the more pain points arise though, such as quality assurance, and the transformation from dataĀ overload into real information and insights. With our setup of digital twins, we can automate workflows andĀ support our teams around the world to make better decisions – faster,ā remarkedĀ Dr. Gert Pfeifer, HeadĀ of Operational Excellence Supply Chain at Jettainer.