An Aerospace & Defense PLM Action Group (AD PAG)-sponsored project team proposed advancing industry’s awareness and understanding of the current practical value potential of digital twin-digital thread (Dtw-Dth) investment by benchmarking use cases using commercially available Dtw-Dth solutions, including software and services. Domain experts from seven AD PAG member companies partnered with four industry organizations and engaged with seven leading solution providers to execute the benchmarks. Results were consolidated, analyzed, and configured so each participating solution provider could view the benchmark scores and evaluator observations for their solution. Publicly reported results were generalized to mask specific solution performance.

This report documents 1) a catalog of use cases representative of Dtw-Dth value opportunities across all lifecycle stages for aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their supply chain, and 2) the findings and conclusions from evaluating the capability of commercially available solutions to perform those use cases. Recognizing the topic’s breadth and state of maturity, the Dtw-Dth Benchmark inquiry was not focused solely on “measuring how well it is done” but more broadly on “understanding how it is done, what is real today, and where it is going.” The report describes an evolving landscape of highly capable commercial solutions characterized by varied approaches, uneven maturity, and a clear set of technological and organizational challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of this paradigm. It concludes that the current practical value potential of Dtw-Dth investment is real and substantial, as verified by the demonstration of very powerful Dtw-Dth solutions in existence in industry today.