What is a digital thread?

A digital thread is a connected data flow that provides an integrated view of product and asset information across their entire lifecycle. It connects data from multiple domains—design, engineering, manufacturing, operations, and support, bridging the many digital twins that emerge along the way.

Unlike isolated data pipelines, a true digital thread supports bidirectional flow, enabling continuous feedback loops between upstream design decisions and downstream operational insights.

To be effective, digital threads must ensure that all data is:

• Reusable

• Clear and validated

• Traceable across domains and organisations

Beyond internal silos—extending across the value network

Most digital thread initiatives focus on breaking down internal silos across disciplines. But in today’s global value networks, including suppliers, partners, and customers, the thread must also extend outside the organisation’s borders.

Eurostep’s approach goes further:

We define the digital thread as a coherent, standards-based information backbone that spans disciplines, organisations, and systems, designed to evolve over time and support the full asset or product lifecycle.

Why build a digital thread?

As global collaboration becomes the norm, organisations must operate across increasingly distributed ecosystems. A well-structured digital thread enables:

• Faster, more informed decisions

• Improved product and asset quality

• Shorter time to market and time to volume

• Greater transparency and lifecycle traceability

• Reduced risk across extended supply chains