Overview
ISO 23247-1:2021 - Automation systems and integration - Digital twin framework for manufacturing - Part 1: Overview and general principles - defines the conceptual foundation and high‑level requirements for implementing digital twins in manufacturing. It introduces key terms and definitions, describes the digital twin concept for manufacturing, lists observable manufacturing elements (personnel, equipment, material, process, facility, environment, product, supporting documents), and sets out the general functional and non‑functional requirements a digital twin framework should meet. Part 1 is the introductory component of the ISO 23247 series and does not mandate specific data formats or communication protocols.
Key Topics
- Terms and definitions: common vocabulary for digital twin implementations in manufacturing.
- Digital twin concept & applications: real‑time control, off‑line analytics, predictive maintenance, health checks, engineering design, production control, video surveillance, and others.
- Observable manufacturing elements: personnel, equipment, material, process, facility, environment, product, supporting documents.
- Requirements of the framework (high level), including:
- Accuracy
- Communication
- Data acquisition and data analysis
- Data integrity
- Extensibility and granularity
- Identification (e.g., UUIDs, digital identification methods)
- Management and product life‑cycle
- Security
- Simulation and synchronization
- Viewpoint and hierarchical modelling
- Limitations and boundaries: guidance on scope and what the framework does not prescribe.
Applications
ISO 23247-1 helps organizations plan and evaluate digital twin initiatives in manufacturing environments. Practical uses include:
- Implementing predictive maintenance systems that rely on synchronized asset twins.
- Enabling real‑time production control and adaptive process optimization.
- Supporting digital engineering and simulation-driven design validation.
- Improving traceability across parts, assemblies and processes.
- Assuring production scheduling and dynamic risk management through enhanced visibility.
Who benefits:
- Manufacturing engineers and plant managers
- System integrators and automation architects
- OT/IT teams and IIoT solution providers
- Maintenance, quality and operations teams
- Standardization and compliance officers
Related Standards
- ISO 23247 series: Part 2 (reference architecture), Part 3 (information attributes), Part 4 (information exchange).
- Example modelling standards referenced for specific domains: ISO 10303 (discrete manufacturing), ISO 15926 (oil & gas), ISO 16739 (building/construction).
- Complementary IEC/ISO standards for IoT, automation and industrial data.
Keywords: ISO 23247-1, digital twin, digital twin framework, manufacturing, Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance, IoT, interoperability, simulation, data acquisition.