ISO 23247-4 is a standard that ensures smooth communication between devices, digital twins, and user systems in manufacturing. It focuses on real-time data exchange, system compatibility, and layered architecture to bridge physical and digital operations effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Purpose: Standardizes communication for digital twins in manufacturing.
- Core Layers:
- Observable Manufacturing (physical components like machines, materials, etc.)
- Device Communication (monitors state changes)
- Digital Twin (processes data, syncs models)
- User Entity (integrates with business systems like ERP/PLM)
- Network Setup: Four networks (User, Service, Access, Proximity) support seamless data flow.
- Benefits: Better system integration, reduced data silos, improved operational performance.
- Challenges: Data format issues, legacy system integration, and network connectivity can arise but are manageable with careful planning.
This guide explores how ISO 23247-4 enhances manufacturing processes, its implementation steps, and its role in advancing digital twin systems.
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Core Components of ISO 23247-4
ISO 23247-4 outlines three main elements essential for implementing digital twins in manufacturing.
Digital Twin System Structure
The standard breaks the implementation into four interconnected layers [1]:
- Observable Manufacturing Layer: Covers physical manufacturing components like machines, materials, and workers.
- Device Communication Layer: Monitors and manages state changes in manufacturing elements.
- Digital Twin Layer: Processes data and maintains digital models.
- User Entity Layer: Connects with business systems such as ERP and PLM.
These layers create a seamless flow of information, bridging physical operations with decision-making systems. Released in October 2021, the standard spans 50 pages of technical details [2].
Data Standards and System Compatibility
The framework uses IP-based communication protocols but avoids mandating specific data formats, ensuring it works with various manufacturing systems [2][3].
| Network Type | Primary Function | Connected Elements |
|---|---|---|
| User Network | Interface Management | User Entity ↔ Digital Twin Entity |
| Service Network | Internal Communications | Sub-entities within the Digital Twin |
| Access Network | Data Collection | Device Control ↔ Core Systems |
| Proximity Network | Physical Interface | Device Control ↔ Manufacturing Elements |
This network infrastructure supports smooth communication across all layers, ensuring compatibility and efficiency.
Network Setup Requirements
Four specialized networks form the backbone of digital twin operations [2]:
- Service Network: Links operational management systems, application services, and resource-sharing modules via public Internet or private Intranet.
- Access Network: Facilitates two-way communication between the DCDCE and core systems.
- Proximity Network: Establishes direct connections with manufacturing components, enabling real-time responsiveness crucial for workflow optimization.
- User Network: Connects user applications to the digital twin entity, ensuring secure access.
This setup enables scalable and precise digital twin systems, streamlining manufacturing processes from the shop floor to upper management [3].
Setting Up ISO 23247-4
Implementation Steps
To implement ISO 23247-4, start by identifying key manufacturing elements - such as equipment, personnel, materials, and workflows - that will be digitally represented. The process involves three main phases:
1. Manufacturing Element Assessment
- Conduct a detailed review of your manufacturing setup.
- Record all physical assets, processes, and workflows that need digital representation.
2. Network Infrastructure Setup
Install the four core networks outlined earlier in the Core Components section. Each network must fulfill its specific role while adhering to ISO 23247-4 standards.
3. Digital Twin Entity Creation
Develop digital models that stay synchronized with physical assets in real time using device communication entities.
Connecting with Current Systems
Integrating with existing systems requires careful attention to data protocols and network compatibility. Legacy systems often need specialized adapters to ensure smooth integration while remaining compliant with ISO 23247-4 [2].
Common Problems and Solutions
Challenges during implementation often fall into three categories:
| Challenge | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Data Format Incompatibility | Disrupted Information Flow | Use standardized data formats as specified in ISO 23247-4 guidelines. |
| Network Connectivity Issues | System Performance Problems | Perform regular network monitoring and follow strict maintenance plans. |
| Legacy System Integration | Communication Barriers | Create custom adapters and middleware for seamless compatibility. |
Anvil Labs offers a platform designed to tackle these issues. Their system handles diverse data types and ensures secure sharing, making it an excellent choice for organizations adopting ISO 23247-4-compliant digital twins [3].
To prevent problems, conduct regular audits and monitor your system closely. Keep detailed records of the implementation process and set clear maintenance and update protocols. Proactively addressing these challenges helps build a reliable digital twin system that enhances operational performance.
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Uses and Results of ISO 23247-4
Manufacturing Improvements
ISO 23247-4 brings practical benefits to manufacturing by enabling real-time data sharing and alignment. Key outcomes include:
- Process Optimization: Identifies bottlenecks, tests changes through simulations, and minimizes errors with automation.
- Quality Control: Tracks production parameters, addresses deviations early, and anticipates potential quality issues.
- Resource Management: Forecasts maintenance needs, streamlines resource allocation, and enhances inventory tracking.
These aren't just concepts - companies are already seeing measurable results from implementing ISO 23247-4.
Company Examples
| Company | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Siemens | Used simulations to reduce production time and lower costs. |
| GE Aviation | Improved engine monitoring, cutting downtime and enhancing maintenance. |
| Caiza and Sanz Lab | Achieved platform compatibility in an Industry 4.0 lab setup [5]. |
Cabral et al. (2023) showcased a digital twin for CNC machine tools that complies with ISO 23247. Their solution integrates data collection, storage, and cloud-based transfers [5].
Platforms like Anvil Labs build on these advancements by offering tools to streamline digital twin management.
Anvil Labs and ISO 23247-4
Anvil Labs helps organizations align with ISO 23247-4 by offering:
- Data Integration: Handles various formats, including 3D models and LiDAR, while ensuring compatibility.
- Visualization: Delivers real-time 3D models with annotation features.
- Analysis: Includes measurement tools and supports team collaboration.
Their platform can enhance existing efforts, such as Siemens' process simulations or GE Aviation's engine monitoring, by providing seamless data integration and advanced analysis tools.
What's Next for Digital Twin Standards
New Technology Integration
AI and IoT are reshaping digital twin systems by improving predictive maintenance, optimizing processes, and boosting the accuracy of real-time data collection [1][4]. A 2023 study by Cabral et al. highlighted how CNC machine tools benefit from cloud-based transfers and real-time data visualization [5]. These advancements are influencing changes to ISO 23247-4, ensuring it keeps pace with evolving technologies.
Expected ISO 23247 Changes
The ISO 23247-4 standard is being updated to tackle current implementation hurdles. Some key updates include:
| Update Area | Expected Changes | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Data Exchange | Enhanced communication protocols | Increased efficiency |
| Interoperability | Better cross-platform compatibility | Improved system integration |
| Security | New data protection protocols | Strengthened system integrity |
| Technology Integration | Guidelines for AI and IoT adoption | Support for modern systems |
Interoperability remains a major priority for these updates, with the potential to significantly influence industrial operations.
Effects on Industry
The revised standard aims to boost manufacturing efficiency by enabling faster decisions, improving cross-platform system integration, and supporting the adoption of new technologies. For instance, ISO 30141's IoT customization focuses on enhancing manufacturing processes [4]. By building on the four specialized networks previously discussed, the new protocols improve system-wide communication and data exchange. Its layered structure, which includes observable manufacturing elements and device communication entities, allows for seamless integration [4]. These updates equip manufacturers to embrace technological advancements while maintaining smooth operations [3].
Summary
Main Benefits of ISO 23247-4
ISO 23247-4 offers practical advantages by standardizing digital twin implementation. Its architecture ensures smooth integration across manufacturing systems while safeguarding data quality and consistency [3].
| Benefit | Description | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Better Interoperability | Enables standardized information exchange between systems | Cuts down on integration challenges and costs |
| Higher Data Accuracy | Ensures consistent data handling across platforms | Reduces errors and lowers operational risks |
| Greater Efficiency | Simplifies operations with standardized protocols | Minimizes downtime during operations |
| Cost Savings | Provides a standardized implementation approach | Reduces maintenance and integration expenses |
| Scalable Framework | Supports evolving technologies with a flexible structure | Prepares businesses for future growth |
These features make ISO 23247-4 a key standard for advancing digital twin technology in manufacturing.
Digital Twin Standards Outlook
The future of digital twin standards emphasizes integration and continuous technological alignment. ISO 23247-4 is designed to support emerging technologies while maintaining operational reliability [3].
Organizations adopting ISO 23247-4 can expect several benefits:
- Simplified Integration and Collaboration: Makes it easier to adopt new technologies and exchange data globally [3].
- Lower Adoption Barriers: Offers clear, standardized guidelines that streamline digital twin implementation [2].
Additionally, its compatibility with other ISO standards, such as ISO 30141 for IoT frameworks, highlights its role in advancing manufacturing systems [4].
FAQs
What is ISO 23247 digital twin?
ISO 23247 is a manufacturing-focused standard designed to guide the creation and management of digital twins for products, processes, and resources in manufacturing operations [1][4]. It uses a layered architecture to enable real-time data collection and standardized information sharing between systems.
Practical applications highlight its usefulness. For example, Caiza and Sanz Lab developed a digital twin architecture for an Industry 4.0 lab. This project showcased platform compatibility through 3D visualization and the use of OPC UA protocols [5].
By combining IoT technologies with manufacturing systems [4], the standard outlines how data should flow across user, service, access, and proximity networks [2][3]. This ensures systems work together effectively while delivering accurate modeling and control, crucial for modern manufacturing.
The framework not only simplifies the adoption of digital twins but also lays the groundwork for advancements in manufacturing, aligning with the industry's ongoing digital transformation.
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