White Papers & Expert Studies

Digital Twin - Definition and Benefit for Manufacture

The Digital Twin: It’s all about the Context

What does 'digital twin' mean? Why do some speak of a product twin and others of a system twin? Our recommendation: Take a closer look at the definition of the technology concept. This will give you a better understanding of the overall manufacture context. Our article also provides a practical overview of possible application scenarios and their benefits.

Not always, but unfortunately all too often, the term “digital twin” is explained only with reference to the specific application in which it is used. This can lead to misunderstandings on the part of the reader or listener.

To come to grips with the topic, it helps to keep a fundamental definition of the concept in mind. This describes the digital twin as the virtual counterpart of a process, a product or a service that connects the real world with the virtual world by linking the two via a software-based exchange of data. The connection can be used to simulate, control and optimize the respective product, process or service.

The definition indicates why there are many digital twins: The concept can be applied to a wide variety of scenarios. Therefore, one may speak of the digital twin of a product, a process in a production cell, an entire factory or the supply chain as a whole.

In consequence there can never be the ONE digital twin – the technologies and methods required depend on the scope of application and the specific use case. A digital twin can’t simply be introduced via a software upload.

Keep reading in the CENIT Newsroom and take advantage of the useful overview of promising benefit dimensions of the digital twin in production.