Digital Twin

As a virtual model of the real-world, a digital twin helps asset operators and engineers understand the present state and predict future asset performance.

Understand the present, predict the future.

A digital twin is a virtual replica of the design, behaviour and environment of physical assets that can help organisations reduce downtime, improve asset performance, optimise maintenance schedules and improve safety.

Digital twins can play a key role in asset management by bringing information together in a single environment where assets from bridges, airplanes, machine components or even an entire city can be monitored, tested and explored.

The idea of a working duplicate to test and study performance without impacting the real world is nothing new – NASA used multiple physical and data simulators during the Apollo missions of the 60s and 70s to prepare for any number of possible scenarios.

A digital twin goes further, using sensors to create a complete virtual environment that spans the asset’s lifecycle, is updated from real-time data, and applies simulation, machine learning and reasoning to model innovation and aid decision-making.

Beyond simulation and testing

What makes a digital twin different from a simulator or test environment is maintaining an up-to-date and accurate copy of the asset in the real-world over time. It is therefore essential that the digital twin is designed around the two-way flow of information, allowing the digital twin to change in real-time along with its physical counterpart.

Ultimately, this means that a digital twin is a vital tool to help engineers and operators understand not only how their assets are performing, but how they will perform in the future.

Digital twins allow for testing improved maintenance practices, scenario modelling and staff training activities to be completed without impacting asset performance in the real world.

Digital twins are increasingly being used to simulate complex operating scenarios and model alternative designs and work practices for:

Examples include:

Combining real-time information on ship movements, infrastructure, water and weather conditions to optimise use of port facilities.
Model new and existing elements within a complex building environment to streamline construction, improve collaboration between multidisciplinary teams and enable a fast-tracked build schedule.
Assess the environmental impact of ‘aged infrastructure’ (e.g. older buildings) and better target advanced energy efficiency measures.
Simulate the impact of disasters on infrastructure, such as roads and bridges and providing a detailed picture to help planners develop more effective and comprehensive plans to address the damage.

Barriers to BIM in asset operations (and how you can break them down)

The advantages of embracing Building Information Modelling (BIM) in design and construction (D&C) have been well and truly proven. Large infrastructure projects now mandate BIM to be used to centralise data, facilitate communication and promote efficiencies across the early stages of the assets’ lifecycle. But there are barriers to BIM being adopted across the entire asset lifecycle. Learn more about how to break them down.

REDUCE RISKS & HAZARDS
Visualise real-time data to better manage workflows, hazards and risks associated with assets, their maintenance and location.
MODEL SCENARIOS & OUTCOMES
Leverage the virtual environment to model changing design, operational or disaster scenarios to better understand what to expect in the real world.

HOLISTIC VIEW OF THE ASSET LIFECYCLE
Identify, understand and predict changes over time with one single source of information across each stage of the asset lifecycle.
MINIMISE THE TYRANNY OF DISTANCE
Diagnose performance issues in the virtual world to access the right expertise, regardless of location.

INSIGHTS: THE VALUE OF BIM FOR ASSET MANAGERS

In this 4-part insights series, we look at the value that Building Information Modelling can provide for asset managers across an asset's entire lifecycle.

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