Towards a Process Model for Digital Twin Implementation: The Implementation Canvas

Abstract

Originating from product life cycle management, more and more Digital Twins (DTs) are implemented in research contexts and industrial use cases. DTs allow for continuous information provision, a mandatory requirement, e.g., for the circular economy. Implementing a DT faces integration challenges and requires precise planning for selecting specific components of a DT and its functionalities. A process model supports making informed decisions, structuring the application and its demand for certain DT elements, and streamlining implementation processes. Albeit specific implementations come with individual requirements, a generic process model allows for the transfer of general instructions and rules to particular cases. Our ongoing research focuses on developing a process model for implementing DTs. The process model builds upon the VDI norm 2206 for implementing cyber-physical systems and enhances the VDI norm by providing more granular sub-modules. This paper reports on the first development steps and preliminary artifacts, e.g., a visual inquiry tool in a DT implementation canvas. Our research builds upon a thorough analysis of theoretical and practical requirements and existing frameworks and architectures for DTs.