Digital twin: Key to competitiveness and sustainability

Almost two-thirds of industrial companies in Germany see the digital twin as a fundamental factor in maintaining a successful position in global competition. This is the result of a recent study by the digital association Bitkom. According to their own statements, 44% of those surveyed already use the digital twin – i.e. the virtual image of a real object or entire systems. While 8% are already planning to use it in the future, another 14% of companies can at least imagine using it in principle. One in five companies in the industry has not yet looked into the technology of the digital twin.

Increase competitiveness and strengthen sustainability

Optimizing processes, cutting costs, conserving resources

“For the future of Germany as an industrial location, the consistent integration of digital technologies in the development, production and maintenance of machines and entire plant parks is of crucial importance,” says Bitkom President Achim Berg. “Digital twins will be a standard in industry in the future.” With the help of the digital twin, companies are able, for example, to optimize their processes, reduce costs and preserve resources.

Digital technologies contribute to climate protection

Accordingly, the digital twin is of central importance when it comes to operating more sustainably in production in the future. Digital technologies are already playing a major role in German industry’s efforts to protect the climate. More than three quarters of companies say they have already reduced CO₂ emissions by using digital technologies and applications.

Sustainability and competitiveness often go hand in hand here: 91% see companies that invest in sustainable technologies as having an advantage in the long term. According to Bitkom, accelerated digitization can secure almost half of the CO₂ savings needed in Germany by 2030.

Digital twin as the basis for new business models

In addition to greater sustainability, however, there are other arguments in favor of the digital twin. These include accelerated product development, improved efficiency of the manufacturing process, and important insights into maintenance windows and component reliability. In addition, almost 50% of industrial companies see a key strength of the digital twin in the fact that it enables completely new business models.

All in all, companies see the digital twin as a technology that opens up massive potential for industry. Only for 17% of respondents is the digital twin a temporary hype that has no relevance for their own business and will soon come to an end.