The Internet of Things (IoT) is here to stay and this information revolution brings an unprecedented business transformation.
One of the trends derived from the advances in the development of the Internet of Things are the so-called: Digital Twins. It is a technology, which as its name suggests, about the creation of a digital twin, an exact replica of a product, process or service. In which, through sensors applied to the real subject, generates a behavior simulation that allows remote monitoring and data collection in real time.
As in everything related to IoT, data recollection is essential as an initial phase, for learning and continuous improvement. Creating new possibilities for innovation, control and better decision making that impact the future performance of the company.
A technology for anticipation and processes improvement.
A Digital Twin provides much more than just a remote visualization of a device, system or product. The data that is collected and the value they provide can be used for different purposes, which allow the anticipation and adaptation of situations that may involve one or several departments of the company.
Imagine the power to anticipate different situations before they become problems, but not only that, to be resolved without the need to mobilize human resources!
How is this possible? By receiving real-time data it is possible to detect and anticipate spots in the processes that can be problematic or inefficient. At the same time, combining the historical and real time data, the Digital Twin can learn and predict future problems and solve them automatically. It will always give us different options so that we can take the final decision.
This results in new ways of controlling and detecting malfunctions in processes and systems within a company. We know that for a large number of companies, a problem that triggers a stoppage in the system, even for a second, can cause gigantic losses. This technology allows us to solve them, anticipate them before they occur and, if they arise, solve the problem at the first sign of weakness, without the need of a human reaction.
Digital Twins: Improves communication and coordination with external providers.
Implement Digital Twins on business processes, is an improvement with outsourced services. By continuously sharing information, external suppliers can react with time to possible business needs. Maintenance services, packaging, supplies, among many others, can easily deliver just in time and generate a system of bilateral effectiveness.
Digital Twins, key to continuous innovation.
The ease of analyzing and testing alternatives has generated particularly valuable results as an innovation facilitator. Experts in the field can test scenarios, changes or updates; also hypothetical situations that could even seem unrealistic. This allows thinking and generating disruptive ideas that can develop in new opportunities. The Digital Twins can provide an engine for innovation and evolution without interrupting daily operations and allowing to go further, which is invaluable.
Digital Twins: A great collaboration tool.
Digital Twins can solve and anticipate problems, but they have great potential as a collaboration tool. This technology allows 24/7 access to data in real time. With this, companies have the opportunity to take advantage of it to generate internal and external collaboration networks; such as external logistics providers, maintenance and even with the consumers.
When all those involved have access to the same information, a think tank can be generated to design new products, processes, improve systems; creating a system of continuous and creative innovation that has no limits.
Sharing information with the people involved is also a sign of transparency and unification of knowledge. The department of finance, human resources, marketing, sales, external suppliers; work groups that usually operate independently with some intersecting silos can collaborate to ensure that new and existing products have the best design, performance, price, quality, promotion and viability, for example.
Digital Twins can become a facilitator to create a connection between the consumer, product and company. Monitor how the consumer interacts with the product, can support for the design of new products or detect improvements through real iterations.
There are already many companies that are applying this technology and it will quickly have more presence in several sectors with different applications. It is time for companies to start getting familiar with this technology, so they will soon consider implementing it. Anticipating what is surely one of the most disruptive advances in the business world.
In the next article we will analyze the different applications of Digital Twins in different sectors. It will be very interesting to see these companies that are betting on this development and the results they are getting. Do you want to receive it in your mail? I invite you to subscribe to our newsletter.
