Digital Twins Across Manufacturing

Abstract

Manufacturers are realizing that the saying “anything is possible” isn’t just hyperbole. Today’s manufacturers are dealing with disruption and change in all forms. How do you know how your manufacturing and supply chain will respond? More importantly, how can you leverage technology and “gamification” to predict how the manufacturing and supply chain will behave if “anything happens”? The answer is through the use of Manufacturing Digital Twins. Digital Twins are not limited to the product anymore. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Digital Twins exist in many companies today and represent a wide arrange of scope and depth of detail. Technology advancements have enabled early stage manufacturing digital twins to evolve from being equipment focused to completely represent the factory, manufacturing processes, and even the supply chain. Manufacturing Digital Twins break down data and operational silos, provide holistic views, and enable multiple strategies to test different business scenarios – in a virtual environment and without impacting the physical production and order flow. Manufacturing Digital Twins are all different, based on the industry, manufacturing model, and supporting supply chain. Companies today are reaping the rewards for early and continued investment in Manufacturing Digital Twins; others are just starting the journey. Many lessons can be learned from the history of Manufacturing Digital Twin’s evolution, the impact of technology and computing power, and how company strategy and approach affects success – or failure. “Anything is possible” as Manufacturing Digital Twins and Supply Chain Digital Twins are here. Leaders are using them to differentiate, win and compete in today’s markets. This chapter explores the Manufacturing Digital Twin evolution, scope, key considerations, value, and benefits while providing guidance for you to succeed.