Digital Thread
A digital thread serves as a communication backbone, facilitating an integrated flow of product and asset data throughout their lifecycles. This framework links multiple digital twins, aiming for data that is not only reusable but also clear, concise, and validated. It enables data to move both downstream and upstream through built-in feedback loops.
Traditionally, digital threads have been confined to internal, siloed functions within an organization. However, to create value networks that include suppliers, partners, and customers, it’s essential for a digital thread to extend beyond the borders of the organization.
At Eurostep, we define a digital thread as a coherent set of integrated product information, enriched by data from diverse domains and disciplines. This integrated approach spans the entire value network, from suppliers and partners to customers, across the product’s lifecycle. A resilient digital thread is one that is designed to manage evolving links and relationships over time, enabling agile product development and continuous feedback loops.
Why is a Digital Thread Important?
As companies shift towards globally interconnected networks involving partners, suppliers, joint ventures, and customers, complete digital transformations are becoming increasingly crucial. Network-centric organizations benefit from global market access, skill availability, expedited time-to-market, and volume production.
Digital threads play a vital role in these transformations by connecting disparate data sources. They facilitate an integrated, transparent view of business-critical information, thereby improving decision-making quality and agility. By breaking down data silos, digital threads ensure full traceability of information across global value chains.
Implementing a Digital Thread Using PLCS
Product Life Cycle Support (PLCS) is an ISO standard formulated to support the maintenance and lifecycle management of complex products. Eurostep took the lead in designing the PLCS data model to enable the capabilities of a digital thread and digital twins even before these concepts gained widespread recognition.
Implementing a digital thread through PLCS not only offers immediate capabilities but also adds new functionalities to existing software and processes. Thus, PLCS serves as a robust foundation for implementing a resilient and functional digital thread.
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