Interview along with other information collected from master data , documents , CAD documents and bills of material , enables new application scenarios . Examples include the digital nameplate or ID link . The next development step , called product twin , opens up opportunities for predictive maintenance when combined with additional IoT data ( from sensors and controllers ). The highest level , or line twin , is interlinked with all digital twins of a process line , enabling the simulation of entire processes . The implementation of a digital twin we are currently addressing is the asset twin . Together with LESER , we have collected and reconciled all information needed for a digital representation of safety valve master data . In this process we apply industry standards such as ECLASS and VDI2770 . This work has prepared the basis for using an information platform to generate and use future Digital Product Passports ( DPP ).
Hendrik Wormuth , LESER There isn ’ t much I can add to these explanations from a technical viewpoint . I would like to emphasise that the cooperation between the partners has been key to the success of these efforts . The complete digital twin consists of many layers . As manufacturers of safety valves , we are owners of some of the required data , such as operator instructions and certificates . The operator has data related to the behavior of the safety valve in the given application . Maintenance activities can contribute data on wear parts and off-duty times . Merging all of these aspects in a single solution that can be used consistently across the industry is a big coordination challenge . But resolving it will pay off .
Marc Westphal , Bayer AG . Hendrik Wormuth , LESER GmbH & Co . KG .
Once there is a clearly structured process for the interaction between all the stakeholders , it will open up many possibilities for additional services along the asset lifecycle . Even options for creating semantic networks based on available information are no longer utopian . With the digital twin as a basis , the use of AI can be advanced efficiently .
Hendrik Wormuth , LESER : We are also convinced that having structured access to operational data will allow us to develop products that are better adapted to our customers ’ needs , and to provide better advice to our customers . It will be possible to use proof-of-performance data from operational safety valves in the field to develop application-related recommendations for our products . In the future , our customers will be able to access any information about their safety valves at any time and from any location . And last but not least , the unique information on the nameplate is a machinereadable identifier that interlinks with all documentation for that particular safety valve .
platform operator ) as partners and cultivating an open dialog . We cannot hope to arrive at an effective and sustainable solution unless everybody has the same understanding of the boundary conditions and requirements .
• Sharing information in committees ( such as the ones mentioned earlier ) will support the development of solutions that can be applied on a broad basis .
• Including users in the development process , especially with regard to potential new services and E2E processes , is crucial . User cases and user stories must be developed by involving everyone .
Hendrik Wormuth , LESER : Nobody can resolve these challenges alone in an efficient manner . Even a solution developed jointly by Bayer AG and LESER would not be fit for the broader industry . Manufacturers of other products and other operators would find it difficult to follow the same strategy . In short , it would only be an insular solution with limited benefits .
The new digital twin technology is a hot discussion topic and predicted to play a major role in the future . What is your assessment ?
Marc Westphal , Bayer : As I mentioned earlier , digital twins are a key aspect of every digitalisation project . Merging all relevant information ( characteristics , status information ) covering the entire asset lifecycle is impossible without a digital twin . This is why there is great potential for digital twins . To realise this potential , digital twins need to be used collaboratively between the manufacturer , the operator , and the service provider . This requires introducing unified data standards such as the AAS mentioned earlier . But other aspects of data sovereignty must be standardised too .
What challenges are you facing , and how do you intend to overcome them ?
Marc Westphal , Bayer : Regrettably , many things we are talking about today are still mere theory . What is the precise definition of a digital twin when we are talking to our partners ? What is the basis of this definition ? Is the digital twin interoperable ? How can the required data sovereignty be made possible ? Plus , there are system- and data-related challenges inherent in IT systems , in particular informationsharing platforms needed for collaboration . To tackle these challenges , we have identified the following key aspects we need to address :
• Interacting with all stakeholders ( manufacturer , operator , service provider ,
What will the next steps be in your digitalization strategies ?
Marc Westphal , Bayer : As far as our collaboration with LESER is concerned , we will soon take the asset twin from the pilot phase to the Steady State stage and continue optimising it . Based on experiences gained during the pilot phase , we will enter products from other manufacturers and service providers into the information sharing platform and start communicating on the basis of asset twins . As part of our committee work , we will promote the continued development and utilisation of a AAS , jointly with LESER . This will drive standardisation efforts with regard to digital twins based on the criteria of the Digital Data Chain ( DDC ).
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