Digital Twin models in the field of mechanical engineering and production technology are basically about creating a digital (virtual) image of machines and components exactly as they are to be delivered to customers, were delivered or how they are now operated (e.g. with replaced components).
The Digital Twin ("Twin") contains references to the stored parts lists, drawings, serial or serial numbers with reference to customer orders or customer projects, but the maintenance, modification and spare parts histories are also part of the model.
Early applications of a digital twin are simulations for manufacturing, which then enable optimization in advance without real plants. The potential of a digital twin becomes visible when it begins to independently control activities or business processes from the perspective of its physical template (the real machine/component).