Continuing our series of posts dedicated to the Platform-Stack-Architectural-Framework by the Digital Twin Consortium, we have previously explored its outline and examined an in-depth examination of the capability periodic table. So today, we aim to unravel the complexity of digital twin implementation.
Building a digital twin system is a voyage, a continuous odyssey rather than a finite destination simply because the system is changing, the environment is changing the granularity of details you want to have is evolving and it is very relevant to the business systems and processes. As organizations embark on this journey, an understanding of the system's maturity becomes paramount. Drawing on the framework of the Digital Twin Architecture, a maturity model based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) proves instrumental. Initially developed by NASA in the 1970s, the TRL method provides a consistent and universal measure of technical maturity across varying technology types.
Building a digital twin system is a voyage, a continuous odyssey rather than a finite destination simply because the system is changing, the environment is changing the granularity of details you want to have is evolving and it is very relevant to the business systems and processes.
The TRL scale, ranging from 1 (nascent) to 9 (most mature), charts out the development and deployment journey of technology. This article aims to adapt this scale to the realm of digital twin operations and processes.
TRL 1: Discovering Basic Principles
At the very foundation of the readiness scale, basic principles are observed and the concept is defined. In this stage, an array of challenges and problems are identified, including those related to optimizing performance, scaling up, reducing costs and delivery time, enhancing quality, and improving the customer experience.
TRL 2: Conceptualizing the Technology
As we move to the next level, we witness the formulation of technology concepts and applications. An analyst with this knowledge can outline solutions for the identified operational problems and challenges. The process map is drawn, the requisite data are collected, essential technologies are obtained, and a hypothesis set for optimization and potential benefits is articulated.
TRL 3: Proving the Concept
This level marks the beginning of active proof-of-concept development, with a goal to build a process simulation model and investigate its behavior to validate the hypothesis. To expedite this stage, organizations can use synthetic data, created from real data samples, process logs, or captured observations. Engaging users at this step ensures that the digital twin embodies all necessary activities.
TRL 4/5/6: Validation and Prototype Demonstration
Moving forward in the maturity model involves a delicate process for digital twins, as these stages focus on checking and adjusting the model based on data samples.
The digital twin must mirror the real operations, a feat accomplished by meticulously tailoring the digital twin to yield outputs equivalent to the real ones. At these stages, a partially combined digital twin may still rely on artificially created events, which will be replaced with real events in the later stages.
During this phase, user input is needed to validate the quality of the digital twin.
TRL 7: Prototyping in an Operational Environment
At this stage, the digital twin system is deployed in the production environment. Although some synthetic data may still be in play, the system is largely integrated with the data layer, and the digital twin accurately mirrors the current state of the process and operations. Nevertheless, the system remains unexposed to a broader user base.
TRL 8: System Completion and Qualification
As we approach the pinnacle, the digital twin system is completed and 'flight qualified' through tests and demonstrations. At this point, more users can engage with the system, using the digital twin as a trustworthy source of real-time operations data, and make decisions based on observations and projections.
TRL 9: Successful Mission Operations
At the final readiness level, users investigate ways to optimize, compare different scenarios, and adopt an ongoing approach to process improvement. The digital twin system, now 'flight proven', becomes a cornerstone of the organization's operational strategy.
To wrap things up, it's essential to grasp the maturity model to truly understand the process of building a digital twin system for operations and processes. Grounded in the c (TRL), this model offers a structured roadmap guiding organizations through their digital twins' intricate development and deployment.
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Author: Pavel Azaletskiy
References
- “Technology Readiness Level.” Edited by Irene Tzinis, NASA, 6 May 2015, .
- Platform-Stack-Architectural-Framework by Digital Twin Consortium
- Grieves, Michael, and John Vickers. "Digital twin: Mitigating unpredictable, undesirable emergent behavior in complex systems." Transdisciplinary perspectives on complex systems: New findings and approaches (2017): 85-113.