5-Dimension Cross-Industry Digital Twin Applications Model and Analysis of Digital Twin Classification Terms and Models

Abstract

A Digital Twin is an auspicious cross-industry concept in the era of digitalization, which promises a wide range of benefits such as efficiency improvements, predictions of future opportunities and challenges, and respective recommendations. At present, a variety of definitions and terms exist, causing increasing confusion among practitioners and users. Here we address this need for consolidation with a holistic view of the Digital Twin concept across industries. We analyze classification models and Digital Twin terms in academia and industry in order to propose a 5-dimension cross-industry Digital Twin applications model. This model, based on the core three-part Digital Twin concept introduced by Grieves in 2002, enables ease of understanding and cross-industry classification and development of applications within the concept of the Digital Twin. The proposed model consists of the dimensions scope of the physical entity, feature(s) of the physical entity, form of communication, scope of the virtual entity, and user-specific outcome/value created.