What is Digital Twin technology and why is it important for manufacturers?

01 February, 2023

The length and breadth of industries that can adopt this type of technology stretches far and wide, and the same can be said about virtual twin technology, as this is essentially a step further than the insights offer by digital twins.

Why are Digital/Virtual Twins so important for manufacturers?

There are many benefits to having digital or virtual twins integrated into your workflow as a manufacturing business, though the most pertinent are normally time, cost and resource savings, increased levels of safety for all employees.

In recent years, there’s been an increased focused on sustainable manufacturing and a ‘circular economy’, with real emphasis being placed on improving the overall productivity and safety of processes. Alongside this, there’s been a real shift in manufacturing bosses looking for more control over production, whilst also minimising costs. All of this is covered by digital/virtual twins, as they give manufacturers access to important information about cutting costs whilst maintaining, and improving, workflows.

Whilst manufacturing and operations industries are becoming ever more complex due to the digitalisation and innovation within each sector, so it’s important that things are made as simple as possible. Operation lead times can begin to become longer and longer if inefficiencies in the new workflow aren’t ironed out, and that’s where digital and virtual twin technology comes in to play. Having the insight and agility to make changes in manufacturing is exceptionally important, especially with the supply chain issues that are currently facing the vast majority of manufacturers around the world.

To really emphasise the effectiveness of virtual twin technology in particular, in one case study, DELMIA saw plant effectiveness increase by 250% after the installation of a virtual twin. The twin provided an in-depth analysis of inefficiencies and provided the manufacturer with simulation models that would help to combat those inefficiencies. Alongside this, employee safety and fulfilment rose by 5% in time savings.

In a separate case study, DELMIA saw another company increase on time deliveries by 50% thanks to better planning techniques and technologies. There was also a 50% reduction in lead times, which enabled the company to maintain high levels of orders, whilst shipping a higher percentage out on time to consumers. This is obviously exceptionally important when you consider how consumers are changing their behaviour when it comes to reduced lead and delivery times.

In summary, digital and virtual twins are quickly becoming the staple within many industries thanks to the number of benefits they bring to each company. Manufacturing and logistics in particular can benefit from the technologies, thanks to vastly reduced lead times and help when it comes to planning efficiently.

This article was written by Prashanth Mysore, strategic business development and industry marketing director at DELMIA, part of the Dassault Systèmes Group. Providing insight into Digital twin technology, DELMIA have played a vital role in the importance of digital twin technology within manufactures around the globe.

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