What is the Digital Thread?

A powerful communication framework that allows a connected data flow and integrated view of an asset’s data throughout its lifecycle across traditionally siloed functional perspectives.

The concept of the digital thread was spearheaded by the military aircraft industry and their desire to improve the performance of future programs by using digital technology to apply lessons learned to current and upcoming programs. These concepts and technologies are gaining interest beyond the aerospace and defense industry and are converging with smart manufacturing goals.

Enhanced Quality

Avoid mistakes in manual translations of engineering specifications along the product value chain.

Improved Velocity

Accelerate new product introductions (NPI) to market and the communication of engineering changes along the product value chain.

Increased Efficiency

Simplify the capture and analysis of data related to product manufacturing.

20%

Increase in successful new product introductions

16%

Improvement in on-time complete shipments

Digital Continuity

01

Diagnose Challenges

Analyze your manufacturing enterprise’s specific situation and the problems you are experiencing.

02

Identify Risks

Identify the risks presented by both the market and your current technology.

03

Start Small

Identify a pilot project with the best potential for return on investment (ROI).

04

Establish Milestones

Establish your business-imperative milestones with key leadership throughout your manufacturing operation to stay organized and on schedule.

05

Embrace Change

Nurture a new culture around the technology and vision throughout your organization in order to improve adoption.

Adopting the digital thread is becoming an imperative step for complex manufacturers navigating increasingly fast-paced and heavily regulated industries, but how do you know if you’re ready?