Digital twins, optimising reality

An exact replica of the physical world in which we can apply variables, change the rules of the game, study, analyse and squeeze the most out of the information we obtain to create a new optimised reality. Broadly speaking, this is what we get with the application of Digital Twin technology. This technology is not new, as it was first used by NASA in the 1980s. However, nowadays, thanks to advances in Big Data, Cloud Computing and IoT, it is applicable in many industries.

How does the Digital Twin work?

Digital twin is the technology that allows us to create a virtual replica of a product/process or physical space. By applying it we can test, test and answer the question what if...?
For example: what would happen if we speed up the production line of a factory, what would happen if we change the layout of the machines in our warehouse? Just like an architect's previous designs, the virtual replica will give us the necessary information to optimise any aspect of the business and, in addition, we will have multiple data that will allow us to know in depth any part of the process, foresee errors or failures.

Working with this technology requires prior preparation that begins in the production process in order to recreate the physical environment and gather all the information. With the installation of sensors and specific software that collects data on all the processes that are generated in real time. This representation allows, within the digital twin, to generate a virtual simulation of the process in which we can experiment, modify variables and optimise the processes. In order to bring the optimisation carried out in the Digital Twin to physical reality, it is necessary to involve the entire product heat chain, contrast the multiple information collected and assume a new model of innovation in the organisation.

Advantages

    Simulation of the entire production life cycle
    Cost reduction
    Optimisation of processes
    Information on any aspect of the production process
    Minimisation of risks
    Continuous improvement of the organisation
    Innovation applied directly to the business