{"id":5265,"date":"2021-02-01T16:33:47","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T16:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theoaklandgroup.co.uk\/?p=5265"},"modified":"2024-08-29T11:06:11","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T11:06:11","slug":"digital-twin-examples-definition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/digital-twin-examples-definition\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Digital Twin? Definition and examples of next-level performance improvement"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article introduces the digital twin concept and its application to operations management through the lens of real-life examples. From operations management to customer experience and beyond, digital twins are transforming the way our clients are delivering products and services.<\/p>\n

The missing link between performance and data<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several questions clients routinely ask me.\u00a0<\/span>Some are perennial favourites, such as:\u00a0<\/span>“How can I drive the next level of performance improvement”.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Others are more current and data-focused, such as:\u00a0<\/span>“What’s the best way for our business to leverage its data and information?”.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

One answer to both of these questions is to advise clients to develop a\u00a0<\/span>digital twin<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for their business processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Digital Twin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“A dynamic virtual representation of a physical object or system across its lifecycle, using real-time data to enable understanding, learning and reasoning” Bolton et. al. 2018<\/span>\u00a0–\u00a0<\/span>Wikipedia<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Digital twins are ‘virtual clones’ of physical assets and events that are taking place in the real world. They provide an instant feedback loop, connecting the physical and digital. <\/span>A digital twin helps you leverage your data to enhance day-to-day operations management and provide valuable insights that will drive and accelerate improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Oakland, we’ve leveraged the digital twin approach with several clients, as discussed in the earlier article: <\/span>Applying digital twin thinking to programme management<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s explore the concept more closely with a digital twin scenario most of us are familiar with \u2013 online shopping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Digital Twins: A Retail Example<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you track a parcel delivery, the information you are looking at is the ‘digital twin’ of what is happening in the real world. After you place your order, the package moves through order handling and distribution centres, until it reaches your home. The parcel location and delivery status is digitally recorded and shared with you in real-time.<\/span><\/p>\n

You’ve likely had the experience of being handed a parcel at your doorway, only to be instantly informed by text or email that your package was delivered. The digital twin is effectively driving this communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Digital<\/p>\n

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Preparing the digital twin in this way requires the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. Understanding the process that is happening and building a digital representation of it<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Gathering (and in some cases developing) the <\/span>automatic, system-generated information about the progress of a product of service<\/li>\n
    3. Presenting the information in a highly visual and easy-to-interpret digital format<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The result of this three-step process? You get a real insight into what is happening, when and where.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      How can a Digital Twin improve operations management?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

      In day-to-day operations, a digital twin provides insights into product and service delivery risks, as well as any issues with the live, in-flight, transactions and processes. Applying this level of proactive and real-time issue management means your team can take action well before service delivery and performance become impacted.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Digital Twin example: Managing Major Programmes<\/span><\/h3>\n

      At Oakland, we had the privilege of supporting one of our clients on its major infrastructure programmes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Using Oakland’s “<\/span>Intelligent Forecasting Platform<\/span><\/span><\/a>” as the basis for its digital twin, the portfolio management team were able to:<\/span><\/p>\n