A Methodological Approach to Prioritize Digital Twin Development in Manufacturing

Abstract

The digital age has brought about a need for organizations to utilize Digital Twins to improve operational efficiency and decision‐making. However, it is difficult for companies to identify and prioritize Digital Twin initiatives that meet the needs of their stakeholders and align with the capabilities of the company and its strategic plans. This paper proposes a methodology for the systematic identification and prioritization of Digital Twin applications in complex industrial settings. The methodology begins by documenting business requirements, current processes, and challenges, and subsequently identifying areas with potential benefits from Digital Twins through the use of an opportunity scoring system. To refine the portfolio of Digital Twin applications to include only those that are impactful and viable, the feasibility of Digital Twin is quantified by evaluating technological (technical capacity and digital skills), organizational, and project risk factors. To validate the proposed methodology, a case study was conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner specializing in injection molding. This real‐world application demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach in identifying and prioritizing Digital Twin applications in a complex industrial context. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding Digital Twins, providing organizations with a structured approach to leverage the potential of this transformative technology.