Enginuity Future Skills Hub

Engineering and manufacturing is rapidly transforming, making it hard for employers to know what skills they need to keep pace with change. The Enginuity Future Skills Hub aims to demystify the skills, trends and transitions reshaping industries within the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is a computer model that shows live data about an intended or real product, system or process part so that you can see how it performs in real-time.

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Digital twins explained

How are digital twins used?

Digital twins have a wide range of uses, including:

Collaborative design, virtual prototyping and simulation for product development
Real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes
Supply chain modelling and optimisation
Lifecycle management and regulatory compliance
Employee training and onboarding
Environmental impact assessment for sustainable manufacturing.

Benefits of digital twins

By using digital twins, small to medium manufacturing businesses can gain a competitive edge, improve operational efficiency, and adapt more effectively to changing market conditions.

Digital twins and Industry 4.0

Digital twins are foundational to , providing virtual representations of physical assets and processes. They enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimisation, facilitating predictive maintenance, efficient resource utilisation, and agile decision-making across the entire product lifecycle.

What skills might you need?

Skills required for digital twins include expertise in data analytics, simulation modelling, and domain-specific knowledge in engineering or manufacturing processes. 

Additionally, other skills include:

Solution architecture
Systems integration
Data analysis
Data management
Artificial intelligence
Software development
Modelling
Data science
Risk management
Innovation
Project management

What skills might you need?

Skills required for digital twins include expertise in data analytics, simulation modelling, and domain-specific knowledge in engineering or manufacturing processes. 

Additionally, other skills include:

Solution architecture
Systems integration
Data analysis
Data management
Artificial intelligence
Software development
Modelling
Data science
Risk management
Innovation
Project management

Who might need them?

While not everyone in a company needs to possess all these skills, the successful implementation of digital twins often involves collaboration among individuals with diverse expertise.

You might consider:

Setting up a digital twin team with expertise in data modelling, simulation, programming, and cloud computing
Enhancing existing roles with specialisms in data analytics; IT and connectivity; cybersecurity; project management; immersive technologies; and regulatory compliance.
Partnering with other specialists in the above.

Useful resources

Want to upskill?

Discover a list of online courses focusing on digital twins.

High Value Manufacturing Catapult

Unlock digital twin skills insights tailored for SMEs in advanced manufacturing through the expertise and resources provided by High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

Siemens eBook

Gain insights into digital manufacturing skills for SMEs, particularly in electric vehicle production, with Siemens' comprehensive executive guide e-book.

Digital Twin Maturity Model

Explore Lockheed Martin's Digital Twin Maturity Model to guide SMEs in understanding and developing the skills required for digital twins.

Dig a bit deeper?

Visit Skills for the Information Age (SFIA), the global skills and competency framework for the digital world.