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    Digital Twin

    Process automation
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 22 words

    In short

    A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical object or system that is linked to data from its real counterpart.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Digital Twin. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/digital-twin. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Relevant for condition monitoring and simulation; consider integration effort and model boundaries.

    Possible example: A pump manufacturer links temperature and vibration data with a digital plant model and checks conspicuous operating conditions.

    Condition monitoring of production plants, virtual commissioning of new machines and optimization of factory layouts.

    At a glance

    Core
    A digital twin maps selected properties of a real object or system. Data can update the displayed state; models can support analysis and simulations. Update frequency and accuracy depend on the purpose and are not automatically real-time or error-free.
    Use
    Relevant for condition monitoring and simulation; consider integration effort and model boundaries.
    Example
    Possible example: A pump manufacturer links temperature and vibration data with a digital plant model and checks conspicuous operating conditions.
    Limits
    Very high effort in data integration and interface standardization; risk of data inconsistencies between reality and model.

    Questions about this term

    Is a static CAD model sufficient?

    A CAD model alone does not yet represent a continuous data link with the real counterpart.

    Is AI absolutely necessary?

    No. Data linking and modeling are also possible without AI.

    All details and background

    A digital twin maps selected properties of a real object or system. Data can update the displayed state; models can support analysis and simulations. Update frequency and accuracy depend on the purpose and are not automatically real-time or error-free.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    Like a digital model of a machine, the state of which is updated with measured values. It only shows the properties that are actually modeled and measured.

    Why it matters in practice

    Relevant for condition monitoring and simulation; consider integration effort and model boundaries.

    Example

    Possible example: A pump manufacturer links temperature and vibration data with a digital plant model and checks conspicuous operating conditions.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Very high effort in data integration and interface standardization; risk of data inconsistencies between reality and model.

    Origin & history

    A common concept in networked facilities and simulation. IBM explains the digital twin as a data-connected virtual representation; an unsecured exact first use is not specified here.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • Condition monitoring of production plants, virtual commissioning of new machines and optimization of factory layouts.

    Related terms

    • Industry 4.0
    • IoT
    • Predictive maintenance
    • Simulation
    • Cyber-physical systems

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI opportunity analysis & roadmapAI Potential Analysis & Roadmap – Evaluating Data-Based Use Cases in Plant Processes

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesUse Case: Link condition data of a plant to a digital model.

    Sources

    Quellen geprüft am 09.10.2026.

    Editorially reviewed on:

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