The 2 Major Benefits of the Digital Thread
The Digital Thread illustrates a single, continuous link of information that has historically been siloed or segregated in a manufacturing enterprise. Essentially, this represents the integrated flow of data that ties together all stages of a product’s lifecycle. This includes information managed across distinct departments and their software tools used throughout the design, engineering, manufacturing, repair, and logistics for product lifecycle. Notably, the US Air Force and companies in the military aircraft industry are leading this concept in their desire to improve the performance and acquisition of future programs. By linking information together end-to-end in an interconnected platform, the digital thread serves as the foundation for intelligent manufacturing or "real time based optimization through entire value chain" (from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)). This allows smart manufacturing systems, optimized by software control systems, to adapt physical processes based on a feedback loop of information. Building out this model requires effective communication of product-related processes in order to maximize efficiency. This communication can be established with the use of the digital thread.
In the Manufacturing industry, simply put, time is money. We live in the era of manufacturing software development that is often referred to as Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the manner that product design and manufacturing information is processed is directly related to market competitiveness. Establishing an integrated data platform or digital thread can be a valuable resource for manufacturers who manage large amounts of data, especially in industries that manufacture products with complex supply chains and strict regulations. Implementation of a digital thread will enable manufacturing enterprises to reduce cycle time and effectively manage operations.
Benefits of the Digital Thread
- Access to information for any stage of the manufacturing process
The digital thread creates a flow of information that connects departments across an enterprise. This gives manufacturers access to the right information at the right time, and allows for an environment that enables more accurate decision support throughout the manufacturing process.
- Decreases the risk for defects
Enabled by the digital thread, digital twins are digital versions of physical objects that can help manufacturers understand how the manufacturing process will work before production begins. The digital twin acts as a test dummy, helping to spot product problems that can minimize the potential risk for defective products. Continuous refinement of designs and models through data captured and easily crossed referenced to design details.