The digital twin combined with real-time performance measurement in lean manufacturing

Abstract

This chapter examines the advantages that a digital twin and real-time performance measurement brings to lean manufacturing. The lean manufacturing approach improves operational performance and provides sustainable value by omitting activities that do not add value. One way to promote continuous improvement is to visualize lean processes in real time, for example, by utilizing a digital twin with the desired functionalities. To explore the benefits of utilizing a digital twin, an illustrative case is presented that describes the application of a lean strategy to facilitate the maintenance services process in real time with a digital twin. Chapter reveals that a digital twin combined with real-time performance measurement improves process monitoring and control, positively impacts the quality of leadership and the customer relationship, enables worker engagement in the lean process, increases collaboration and integration among different levels, and facilitates communication. The chapter should prove useful for anyone considering a digital-twin implementation.