Leveraging Digital Twin Approach for Sustainable Manufacturing

Efficiency in operations and product design optimization have become strategic imperatives in manufacturing. In addition, pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to adopt sustainable business practices makes it more difficult for manufacturing companies to maintain their bottom line. Although digital twin technology is often marketed as the silver bullet for manufacturing, offering to increase inefficiencies in operations, facilitate innovative product design, and promote sustainable practices, digital twins are simply a tool. The reality is that obtaining the technology does not guarantee success-companies need to know how to effectively leverage it to achieve their sustainability goals. And successful implementation requires changes at the organizational level.

The digital twin approach presents many advantages for manufacturing companies. Employing the breadth and depth of the information afforded through the use of digital twins enables companies to not only defend their position in the market by increasing efficiency in operations but also grow their market share by optimizing product development and innovation. Implementing digital twins does not necessarily require new tools but rather a new approach for managing and using data.

This Navigant Research Strategy Insight report discusses the concept of digital twins. The study analyzes definitions of digital twin and how the technology can be used to help meet sustainability and efficiency goals. It delves into the philosophy, basics, and potential development of digital twin technology as demand for operational efficiency grows. The report also includes recommendations for market players that want to optimize digital twin potential.

Key Questions Addressed:

• What is the definition of a digital twin?

• How can digital twins help manufacturing companies achieve their sustainability goals?

• What are different dimensions of maturity in applying digital twin technology?

• What are prerequisites for implementing digital twin technology?

• What organizational changes need to happen to successfully implement this technology?

Who Needs This Report:

• Manufacturing industry leaders (C-Suite)
• Sustainability leaders in manufacturing industry
• Regulators
• Manufacturing vendors
• Investor community

Table of Contents

Spark

Context

Recommendations

Applying the Digital Twin Approach

• Pull Factors for Manufacturing Industry to Adopt Digital Twin Approach
• Examining Digital Twin Basics
• Grasping Digital Twin Philosophy Is Crucial to Success

• Digital Twin Maturity Is Multidimensional
  • Hierarchy
  • Richness of Data
  • User Interface
  • Accessibility
  • Data Latency
  • Intelligence

Digital Twins Enable Sustainable Manufacturing

• Digital Twin Facilitates Sustainable Thinking Within the Organization
  • Increases Accountability
  • Facilitates Goal Setting
  • Facilitates Sustainability Messaging

• Digital Twins Technologies Succeed in Real-World Applications
  • Managing Assets
  • Promoting Building Operational Efficiency
  • Improving Customer Service
  • Developing New Product Design
  • Connecting Equipment to Factory Staff
  • Creating Predictive Maintenance Schedules

Organizational Support Is Key to Effective Digital Twin Implementation

• Standardize Data Management Processes Like Governance
• Set Priorities
• Align the Digital Twin Approach with Sustainability Goals and KPIs

List of Charts and Figures

• Digital Twin Maturity

• Sustainable Manufacturing Cycle