A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset, process, or system that mirrors real-world behaviour through continuous data exchange. Unlike simple software models, digital twins require robust hosting infrastructure to handle high-performance computing, scalable storage, low-latency networking, and strict security. Different types of digital twins, such as system, process, asset, and component, require tailored infrastructure to support simulations at scale.

Imagine the possibility of trying out a new product, enhancing a factory process, or predicting when a machine will break without placing a hand on the actual product.

That’s precisely what’s possible with digital twins. By creating a virtual representation, businesses can test, predict, and optimise performance in time and cost-saving ways.

However, digital twins are not just software models that can run on any server. The effectiveness of the technology depends heavily on the hosting infrastructure that powers it. Digital twin technology demands a simulation infrastructure designed for scale, speed, and reliability.

In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of digital twins, explore the infrastructure each one requires, and examine the hosting options that enable these simulations.

Types of Digital Twins

The digital twin market has experienced record growth in the last several years, with organisations becoming increasingly aware of the strength of its radical impact.

  • The global digital twins market is projected to grow from $17.73 billion in 2024 to $259.32 billion in 2032.
  • Businesses that deploy digital twins report a 25% increase in operational efficiency.
  • Companies using this technology have achieved a 93-99.49% increase in reliability.

Here are the major types of digital twins worth exploring:

1. System Digital Twins

System twins are copies of assets and demonstrate how different elements combine to form functional components at the system level.

  • Enable testing of different system settings to optimise performance and uncover opportunities for new revenue streams.
  • Target a group of assets that perform specific tasks, such as manufacturing primary products or supplying energy.
  • Go beyond error and breakdown identification to provide continuous monitoring and modelling for a deeper understanding.
  • Inform strategic decisions with end-to-end process visibility and essential operational information.

2. Process Digital Twins

Process digital twins are more sophisticated models that incorporate multiple system twins into a single unit.

This twin offers the highest level of insight into synchronisation and coordination within a factory. These twins replicate workflows such as supply chain operations, chemical plant processes, or manufacturing lines.

  • Process digital twins enable adjustments to inputs, such as raw material feeding rates and production conditions, without disrupting the production process or compromising quality.
  • Staff can test many different business scenarios with minimal risk.
  • Provides real-time tracking of key performance indicators to support decision-making and increased operational effectiveness.
Also Read: Top Digital Trust Signals Every Business Website Should Display

3. Asset/Product Digital Twin

An asset or product digital twin is a virtual replica of physical assets such as machines, buildings, and vehicles.

  • A product digital twin connects multiple component twins that represent complex assets, such as engines, pumps, or buildings.
  •  Evaluates the ways individual parts work together as a group, identifying potential for optimisation.
  • Make it possible for engineers to identify zones for optimisation, lowering downtime and enhancing operating efficiency.
  • Provide valid operational data to facilitate better equipment management and encourage business innovation.

4. Component/Part Digital Twin

This is the basic digital twin technology. The digital twin is a model of an individual piece of hardware or product.

  • Complicated parts can have their function monitored and conditions replicated through digital models.
  • Test for reliability, longevity, and performance to optimise performance.
  • Component-level digital twins offer a straightforward representation of the factory layout, facilitating more effective observation.
  • Enable better equipment component monitoring, allowing for early repair and minimising downtime.
Also Read: A Beginners Guide to Hosting a Website

Hosting Different Types of Digital Twins 

Not all digital twins are the same. Each type has unique simulation infrastructure requirements.

Compute Resources CPUs, GPUs, and HPC clusters for simulations, machine learning deployments, and processing large volumes of data
Storage and Data Management Scalable storage with efficient data management and backup to process vast volumes of real-time and historical data
Networking Low latency and high bandwidth for real-time data streaming
Security and Compliance Strong encryption, access control, and compliance with relevant standards to protect sensitive organisational and industrial data

Remember, the effectiveness of your digital twin depends not just on the model itself but on how well the hosting infrastructure can support real-time data flow, large-scale simulations, and secure integrations with your existing systems.

Pro Tip: Ensure your hosting environment integrates seamlessly with IoT devices, ERP systems, and external data sources to retrieve real-time data

Hosting Models for Digital Twins

Various hosting models are appropriate for varying use cases:

Type of Hosting

Pros

Best For
Cloud Hosting
  • Scalability
  • Global accessibility
  • Variable pricing
  • Product and System twins
Edge Hosting
  • Extremely low latency
  • Real-time responsiveness
  • Bandwidth minimisation
  • Asset and Process twins
Hybrid Hosting
  • Middle ground between edge and cloud
  • Offers speed, cost efficiency, and greater control
  • System twin
On-Premises Hosting
  • Complete control and customisation
  • High data security
  • Compliance
  • Highly regulated industries
  • Organisations with stringent governance needs

Selecting the best simulation infrastructure depends on aligning hosting models with the needs of digital twins.

Pro Tip: Always run pilot simulations to benchmark performance on your chosen hosting model. This helps prevent costly infrastructure mistakes.

Pick the Right Hosting for Your Simulation Models

Digital twins form a tight link between the physical and digital worlds.

However, their performance depends on the hosting infrastructure on which they are executed and the capabilities of that infrastructure in computing, storage, networking, and data safeguarding.

That is where companies like BigRock step in with scalable, secure, high-performance hosting solutions that provide your simulation models with the foundation on which they can perform seamlessly. With BigRock’s hosting infrastructure, your digital twins can power your business.

Sign up with BigRock today to host your digital twins on their reliable servers!