A digital twin assists with design, commissioning, and development.

What is a digital twin?

In simple terms, a digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world object – for example, a 3D model of a production line and its functions. It offers a visually oriented, easy-to-grasp means of monitoring the functioning of a machine or production line.

A digital twin can be prepared for either an individual object or a more complex system. While the method offers nearly limitless possibilities, in practice it is most beneficial for the model to include only the central elements and functions. A digital twin yields benefits throughout the lifecycle of a process or machine, from its design and commissioning to day-to-day use and further develop­ment.

Efficient design and hassle-free commissioning

Digital twins are a natural element of industrial automation projects handled by Makron. Makron’s mechanical and automation engineers can prepare a digital twin in the early stages of a project to support your product development, helping you test various options for the realization of the final production system.

Also, digital twins enable virtual commissioning. For automation projects, it is important to be able to test the PLC programming with the mechanical systems, to minimize problems and needs for changes from early on, even in the initial design stage. This speeds up commissioning and reduces costs.

Putting data to good use in maintenance and development

The next step is collection and utilization of data. Once the production line and its digital twin are linked, the automation transfers data to the model, allowing you to monitor day-to-day operations from your computer screen. This enables you to detect any problems or areas in which the system is not efficient enough.

In connection with preparing a digital twin, Makron implements visual reporting systems that let you view trends and deviations. By monitoring logs and calculating and analyzing data, the system can alert you to a need for maintenance, for instance. Problems can often be resolved remotely.

We can also create a connection between the digital twin and your ERP system, so that long-term data can help you pinpoint where the process could be made more efficient. When the program must be modified, we can minimize downtime by making the required changes to the digital twin first, then exporting them to the physical system via a remote connection.

Are you wondering how a digital twin could help you? Contact Kari, and we can find out!

Kari Koski, Sales Director, +358 40 716 5245, [email protected]

Simulations produce data to support production development