Session
WE.3.E || Applied Digital Solutions – Connecting Green and Digital Transformations?
Authors
Rödger, Jan-Markus; Rößling, Oliver
Abstract
The concept of the digital twin is winning over more and more decision-makers worldwide. What is particularly attractive here is that relevant data and processes can be analyzed, simulated and displayed conclusively within the framework of a complex model – ideally in real time. Assumptions that would otherwise have had to be evaluated costly and at high risk in reality can now be run through or produced virtually within a very short time without any risk. This means that real decision-making processes can be shortened massively by simulating and visualizing the interaction of data and processes at lower cost and with better quality results. This may sound like the music of the future to some, but it is already reality today. Due to its inherent efficiency and progressive resource-saving approach, the digital twin is ideally suited to meet the increasing sustainability requirements from several stakeholders in an effective way. The ideal zero impact factory twin (ZIFT) entails management systems, technical specifications, the perception of the factory, efficient water consumption, planning, energy efficiency, greenhouse gases, resource and material efficiency, toxicology, land consumption, logistics, biodiversity and unpredictable breakdowns. In addition, work processes, occupational safety and ergonomics can be included in the model. Establishing a simulation environment that avoids sub-optimization due to unintended consequences further down the line has several advantages – lower risks, lower cost, better sustainability performance. The most effective combination between layout of technical building systems, the process and the products can be derived by applying the ZIFT and the proactive implementation of sustainable strategy of companies (e.g. Scope1-3) in manufacturing is finally possible.