A copy of your installation where you are allowed to experiment.
A digital twin is a virtual representation of an existing installation, often fed with live data. For training it means people can act in an environment that matches the real one, without consequences. It is the heaviest form we build, which is why we always start by asking whether you need one.
Ask for an example from your sectorTechnical specs
- Source
- CAD, scan and process data
- Application
- Training, explanation, preparation
- Platform
- Desktop, web and VR
- Lead time
- From 10 weeks
The term gets used broadly and that makes conversations difficult. We hold to a simple distinction: a simulation is built to practise on, a digital twin is a representation of one specific existing installation, usually with a link to real data.
Financially that difference is large. A simulation can stay generic enough to remain affordable. A twin demands an accurate model of your installation, plus maintenance the moment anything changes. That maintenance is the line item most often forgotten in the business case.
So we ask one question up front: is there a reason for it beyond training? Once the model is also used for planning, engineering or shutdown preparation, the sums work out. For training alone it is almost always too heavy, and then we advise a lighter form.
What organisations use it for
- › Letting operators practise on their own installation
- › Explanation to stakeholders, neighbours and new staff
- › Preparing maintenance and shutdowns
- › Training on installations that are still being built
- › Working through scenarios you could never run in reality
Worth it
Installations with a long service life and high downtime costs. New build where the model already exists anyway. Organisations that also use the model outside training.
Not worth it
A single training subject, where a targeted simulation is cheaper. Installations that change often, because keeping the twin current then becomes a project in itself.
We build digital twins and we regularly advise against them. Where the goal is training and the installation changes little, a targeted simulation often lands at a fraction of the cost with the same learning effect. We would rather have that conversation beforehand than afterwards.
On the real layout
Built on your installation, not on a generic arrangement.
Several purposes at once
Usable for training, explanation and preparation, which is what carries the business case.
New build too
Training can start before the installation physically exists.
Where are you right now?
Not everyone reading this is ready for a conversation. Pick the step that matches where you are.
01 · Orient
Measure where you stand
Ten questions across five dimensions. You get a radar chart of your training maturity plus three things you can act on straight away.
Take the maturity scan
No form · 5 minutes
02 · Compare
See what it did for others
Cases at Gasunie, Enercon, TotalEnergies and Nel, with what actually changed in onboarding, retention and incidents.
View the cases
No form
03 · Decide
Put your situation to us
Tell us what you are dealing with. You get an assessment of approach, lead time and cost, not a sales pitch.
Ask for an assessment
Response within 24 hours
Considering a digital twin? Let us first work out together whether it is the right form.
Milan
Business development, STARK Learning