Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, the digital thread has emerged as a cornerstone of modern industrial processes. But what exactly is a digital thread, and why is resilience such a critical attribute? This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the concept and elucidate its role in smart manufacturing.
What is a Digital Thread?
At its core, a digital thread serves as a communication backbone that enables a seamless flow of product and asset data throughout their lifecycles. It connects multiple digital twins and aims to produce data that is not only reusable but also clear, concise, and validated. This structured flow of data can move downstream and upstream thanks to built-in feedback loops.
The importance of resilience in a Digital Thread
A resilient digital thread is designed to manage evolving links and relationships over time. This dynamic quality makes the thread flexible enough to accommodate changes and iterations, thereby enabling agile product development and continuous feedback loops.
Traditional vs. modern Digital Threads
Historically, digital threads have been confined to siloed, internal functions within an organization. The modern approach extends this communication backbone beyond organizational borders, connecting suppliers, partners, and customers in a comprehensive value network.
The Digital Thread in Smart Manufacturing
In smart manufacturing environments, a resilient digital thread is indispensable. It automates data sharing, enriches product information, and eliminates bottlenecks, contributing to streamlined operations and lower costs.
Key benefits of using a Digital Thread in manufacturing
Some of the key advantages include:
- Enhanced product quality
- Faster time-to-market
- Lower operating costs
- Improved collaboration across teams and partners
The difference between Digital Twins and Digital Threads
While a digital twin serves as a comprehensive digital model of a specific asset—capturing everything from design specifications to engineering models—the digital thread acts as the communication backbone, linking multiple digital twins and facilitating an integrated flow of data throughout their lifecycles. In essence, a digital twin provides a static snapshot of an asset’s unique specifications, whereas a digital thread enables the dynamic flow of this data both upstream and downstream in the value chain. Together, they form a holistic system that enhances agile product development and continuous improvement.
Implementing a Digital Thread: challenges and solutions
While the advantages are numerous, implementing a digital thread is not without challenges. These may include data inconsistency, a lack of standardized protocols, and integration issues. However, solutions like implementing data validation processes, using open APIs to avoid vendor lock-in, and enabling interoperability using industry standards, such as PLCS, AP242 and MOSSEC, can help overcome these hurdles.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications of Digital Thread
Saab Kockums
Saab Kockums implemented ShareAspace, a platform grounded in digital thread concepts, to manage a comprehensive lifecycle vision for its military shipbuilding projects. The platform acts as a data backbone and a collaboration hub for all stakeholders, streamlining product data and facilitating model-based product development. The digital thread enabled Saab to handle complex relationships among different types of data and tools, simplifying integration and improving project outcomes. This resulted in a seamless communication mechanism with their main customer, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).
BAE Systems
BAE Systems also employed a digital thread in the development of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Coordinated by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, this massive project involved multiple stakeholders and an expansive mission. The digital thread was crucial for aligning everyone’s efforts and keeping the project on track. With the carriers now commissioned, BAE Systems faces the challenge of preserving design data for lifetime support. Again, the digital thread will play a vital role in keeping this information current and accessible.
Conclusion
The implementation of a resilient digital thread is pivotal for integrated product lifecycle management in today’s complex manufacturing landscape. Its adaptability, extensibility, and capacity for feedback make it a cornerstone of modern industrial operations.
