Description:
Abstract Cyberphysical systems (CPSs) represent the major contribution of Industry 4.0 to modern manufacturing systems. Once implemented, CPS will increase the efficiency of operations, improve product quality, reduce waste, and optimize the use of resources and assets. A critical element for the realization of CPSs is the Digital Twin (DT), a concept that bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms. Although significant strides have been made to establish the nature of DT, there is still a need for comprehensive reference models and test cases that can help guide the design and deployment of DT. This work presents a reference model for the development of DT. The model considers factors such as stage in the life cycle of a product, the purpose of the digital representation, and the use of the information that the digital representation provides. Cases are presented and analyzed in terms of the proposed model.