DIGITAL
THREAD

Creates a closed loop between digital and physical worlds

Digital thread is important to achieve digital transformation

Digital thread is an important tool for businesses and organizations looking to achieve digital transformation. It is a process of creating a seamless, end-to-end data flow between connected systems and devices to enable collaboration in real time. By implementing digital thread technology, businesses can improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and gain insights into operations that would have been impossible before. This approach allows organizations to make better decisions based on reliable data with faster turnaround times ensuring a greater competitive advantage in the long run.

More about digital transformation

By connecting the data from disparate data streams within an organization, a digital thread eliminates the problems caused by siloed systems and creates a holistic view of operations

Digital thread benefits

Production
Preparedness
Paperless
Shop Floor
Collaborative
Change Management
Closed
Loop Quality
Product
Innovation
Service
Optimization

Connection between engineering and manufacturing

Digital threads provide production preparedness by leveraging 3D and configuration logic from engineering, connecting that data to manufacturing operations, and using it to avoid rework, speed up time-to-market, and lower quality control costs. This connection between engineering and manufacturing enables traceability and facilitates the successful transition of product design, BOM transformation, process planning, and validation.

Improved productivity and safety

The paperless shop floor concept utilizing digital engineering data makes it easier for workers to access and use product manufacturing information (PMI) and 3D data from PLM, allowing them to benefit from improved productivity and safety, as well as faster training. Additionally, this implementation of the digital thread provides a closed loop feedback system, wherein shop floor execution data can be fed back into engineering to refine and perfect production plans and work instructions.

Faster introduction of products to market

Through collaborative change management, teams can manage engineering data throughout the product lifecycle with confidence. Automated workflows ensure that changes and configurations are well-defined, tasks are accurately assigned to those responsible, and issues are efficiently resolved. By implementing a digital thread for collaboration, organizations can benefit from reduced costs of poor quality, faster time to implement changes and quicker introduction of products to market.

Closed loop quality governance

Quality control is simplified with closed loop quality governance that improves visibility of data across the entire product life cycle. From idea to implementation, a digital thread connects all sources of quality information and provides insights into first pass yield, scrap and rework, line and field failures, as well as accelerated corrective and preventative actions. By linking historically disjointed processes, this innovative solution provides a single source for uncompromised accuracy of quality data.

Connection between products used in the field and organizations

Establishing a digital thread for product innovation creates an efficient connected system between products used in the field and organizations within the enterprise. With this closed loop, product usage data can be sent back to engineering teams to refine designs, as well as to sales and marketing groups to generate revenue. Additionally, product management teams will have access to this data to develop new business models and launch them quickly.

Improved service delivery and efficiency

By utilizing the digital thread, customers can benefit from improved service delivery and efficiency. Service technicians are given a thorough and up-to-date view of the equipment they work with, which allows them to successfully troubleshoot, identify parts needed, and check part inventory. Furthermore, remote service enables them to diagnose and address issues at a distance. Additionally, customers are equipped with access to necessary data and service instructions through digital channels or augmented reality applications. All of this is made possible by a digital thread that facilitates customer self-service, remote service, and technician efficiency.

Industrial enterprises face unique challenges

In today’s digital age, industrial enterprises face unique challenges when it comes to managing their data. Large amounts of data can be overwhelming if not managed properly, but there are solutions available to ease the burden. By establishing a comprehensive data integration strategy and utilizing cloud technologies that enable effective communication throughout the business ecosystem, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and make more informed decisions. Additionally, businesses should develop advanced analytics capabilities and ensure their staff is adequately trained on how to best leverage their data for improved decision-making. By taking these steps, industrial enterprises can overcome their data challenges and better position themselves for success in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Siloed systems can cause a range of problems for manufacturing organizations. Without proper links between engineering and purchasing, inventory decisions are made without the benefits of bulk ordering and preferred suppliers. Meanwhile, a lack of support from service and manufacturing affects the availability of parts while new product development teams struggle to keep up with changes in design. These issues are ultimately caused by misguided processes that fail to bridge siloes, resulting in frequent complications that impede quality and efficiency across the enterprise.

Reasons for pursuing a digital thread

  • Collaborative Change Management
  • Paperless Shop Floor
  • Production Preparedness
  • Closed Loop Quality
  • Accelerate Product Innovation
  • Service Optimization

Industry Insights

Digital thread

The digital thread is an emerging technology that connects, shares, and analyzes data throughout all stages of the product life cycle. It enables companies to reduce the time it takes to design and produce new products, keep up with changing customer needs, and make informed decisions faster than ever before. By providing a comprehensive view of every product or system being built or modified, it allows companies to reduce costs, ensure quality, accelerate innovation and improve connected customer experiences.

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