Overview and practical examples of "digital twin" and "best practices," respectively

We are hearing more and more about "digital twins" and "best practices" in the media and in the business world. Now that the existence of computers has become commonplace, they are both concepts that are the object of attention. However, neither digital twin nor best practices are yet well understood.

This article introduces NTT's efforts in the two areas.

1) What is Digital Twin?

Digital twin refers to a technology in which collected data is modeled and then reproduced on a computer. Data is mainly collected from the real world, including physical objects such as products, systems, buildings, and processes.

With the digital twin, real-world matters can be reproduced on a computer and tested or analyzed in advance. For example, if a process change is proposed at a manufacturing site, the digital twin technology can reproduce the site environment on a computer, test it, and then consider the process change before it is directly implemented in real life.

With the Internet of Things (IoT), data can be captured in real time, making it easier to predict the failure of a product before it happens. If you can accumulate enough data on the status of your operations, you can be alerted before a failure occurs.

Digital twin is a technology that can be used to analyze not only the current situation, but also to predict problems in the future, which is useful when planning countermeasures before problems occur.

Digital twin technology is used in a wide range of industries, from industrial and manufacturing to construction and the energy industry.

2) What is Best Practice?

Best practice refers to an approach that aims to find the most effective and efficient method or technique for a particular activity or process. It is also a word sometimes heard in business settings, often expressing the best way to do something. It is also used to mean effective methods and the meaning of the term may vary by site, industry, or domain.

Best practices are most often methods based on previous experience, knowledge, and research. If further best or optimal methods are created, they become new best practices.

Best practices are characterized by a high degree of effectiveness in situations where goals are to be achieved or tasks are to be advanced. They have been demonstrated in numerous projects and activities, with a wide variety of success stories.

Regardless of the field, best practices can lead to the achievement of goals such as improved operational and product quality, process efficiency, and risk mitigation. The implementation of best practices in the design and execution of companies, projects, and business processes will enhance business opportunities.

3) What is Digital Twin and Best Practices?

Here are some practical examples of digital twin combining with best practices.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector tends to be a particularly good fit for the digital twin and best practices combination. Not only can it be used from design to planning, but it can also be used to monitor equipment in real time to improve overall factory performance.

Construction

Digital twin is used to develop plans for residential and commercial buildings, as well as infrastructure. 3D modeling and digital twin technology can reveal not only the structure of a building, but also indoor temperatures, occupancy, air quality, and more. These data can be used to help create a more comfortable environment for users and occupants.

Automobiles

Digital twin can be used to create a digital model of a vehicle. Doing so not only makes it easier to analyze the vehicle's performance, but also to alert the user if any anomalies are observed.

Healthcare

In the medical industry, digital twin technology can be found in a variety of settings, including the upkeep of hospital buildings and equipment, and the use of digital twins to analyze the response of patients to treatment.

Since digital twin can generate not only equipment but also human body twins, it is possible to examine treatment plans using modeled data such as of skeletal structure and internal organs.

4) NTT's Approach to Digital Twin

Check out the below link to see details of NTT's Digital Twin efforts:

The Future Created by the Digital Twin: The Essence of IOWN Innovation -NTT DATA Tech Up Corridor (Japanese-language video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmjfw00oLTo

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