A digital twin operating in isolation is useful, but the real rewards come from making connections. Data integration between multiple sub-components of a digital twin, between multiple digital twins, or between digital twins on separate IT/OT networks, is key when advancing beyond initial use cases. This next step in the evolution of this technology focuses on the ability to connect digital twins across organizations within a supply chain. The ability to integrate digital twins with each other will be a differentiating factor in the future, as physical assets and equipment evolve.

With a growing number of digital manufacturing solutions available for manufacturers to increase operations efficiency, a connected factory floor with networked OT equipment is quickly becoming a necessity to remain competitive in American manufacturing. As more manufacturing equipment is connected to a network, the risks and vulnerabilities grow. Most manufacturing companies lack the IT and cybersecurity resources to understand the cyber threats and how to prepare for a connected shop floor. Manufacturers are not sure where to start, what cybersecurity tools they need, or how to implement them effectively in their operations.

As manufacturing environments increase in complexity, scheduling systems must be able to respond dynamically to unexpected changes and disruptions such as equipment downtime due to a component failure or a manpower shortage. Improvements in production scheduling can directly impact operational performance in the form of increased throughput or more efficient machine utilization rates.