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Writer's pictureSabine Werner

Digital Twins: Improving business efficiency through virtual modeling in the Nordic region


The rise of digital twin technology is changing the way Finnish companies approach operational efficiency and decision-making. By creating real-time virtual replicas of physical processes, companies can simulate, monitor, and optimize performance. This technology provides invaluable insights for improving everything from product development to equipment maintenance, enabling predictive solutions and improving resource utilization. 

 


Case 1: Konecranes - revolutionizing manufacturing 

 

Konecranes, a Finnish leader in industrial lifting equipment, has used digital twin technology to optimize the design, production and maintenance of its cranes. The company uses digital twins to replicate its machines in virtual environments, allowing it to simulate real-world operating scenarios and proactively address potential issues before they impact performance. 

 

By simulating different load conditions and operating environments, Konecranes can identify weaknesses in equipment designs and optimize them for efficiency, durability and safety. In addition, the digital twins help predict maintenance needs, allowing the company to schedule service before critical components fail, minimizing downtime and service interruptions. This proactive maintenance approach has improved customer satisfaction while reducing operating costs. 


 

Case 2: Skanio – Transforming building renovation 

 

Skanio, a rising star in the Proptech and Contech sectors, leverages digital twin technology in its 3D Virtual Survey Service to identify critical areas and components of buildings, such as elevators and technical rooms. By using digital twins, Skanio not only predicts maintenance needs but also simulates major renovations or component replacements. 

Through virtual modeling of technical equipment, Skanio enables precise component analysis and replacement, allowing for optimization of processes. This approach minimizes downtime and service disruptions, leading to higher customer satisfaction, reduced operating costs, and increased operational efficiency. 

 

 

Case 3: Wärtsilä - Innovation in the maritime industry 

 

Wärtsilä, another Finnish engineering company, is using digital twins in the maritime industry to improve the operational performance of its marine engines. By integrating real-time sensor data into digital twins of ships and their engines, Wärtsilä simulates engine performance and fuel consumption patterns under varying conditions. This helps customers optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption and comply with stricter environmental regulations, resulting in significant cost savings and lower carbon emissions. 

 


Key benefits of Digital Twins: 

 

Predictive maintenance: Companies can predict equipment failures by continuously monitoring virtual models, reducing unplanned downtime and repair costs. 

Cost Reduction: By virtually simulating real-world scenarios, companies can avoid expensive physical testing and make data-driven decisions faster. 

Process optimization: Digital twins provide continuous insight into performance, enabling continuous improvement in operations, resulting in increased efficiency and better resource management. 

 

 

Conclusion: Unlocking the full potential of digital twins in the Nordics 

 

For Finnish companies such as Konecranes, Fortum, and Wärtsilä, digital twins are a key innovation for improving operational efficiency and optimizing processes. As more industries in the Nordic region adopt this cutting-edge technology, it will enable better business decisions, resource management, and overall sustainability. Digital twins have the potential to revolutionize not only the manufacturing and energy sectors, but also many other industries that rely on complex machinery and processes. By embracing digital twin technology, SMEs in the Nordics can gain the agility and insight needed to remain competitive in today's fast-paced business landscape. 

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