Digital twin versus digital shadow: choose the decision first
The difference between a live model and a one-way data representation, with practical tests for deciding whether a twin will improve an industrial decision.
Digital twin
Live virtual model of an asset or process, fed by real data.
A live virtual representation of a physical asset or process, fed by real data and used for monitoring, simulation, prediction, or optimization. Scope ranges from a single pump model to a full plant simulation. Value depends on data quality and a defined decision the twin improves.
See also: IIoT · AutomationML
In depth
Building a brownfield OT asset inventory without stopping production
A safe sequence for discovering controllers, networks, software, owners, and business criticality when the plant’s documentation is incomplete.