Elliot Clarke, UKI Regional Director of PTC, outlines why the increasing popularity of digital twins could help the UK automotive sector compete on the global stage.
For decades, the UK has been a global automotive hub, and it continues to be a key part of the domestic economy, responsible for significant GDP and employment. However, emerging competitors, the electrification of vehicles and new business models are challenging the status quo and require new ways of designing and manufacturing.
Say ‘made in the UK’, and names such as JLR or Aston Martin will most likely be some of the first brands that pop into your mind.
However, the backstory goes much deeper. It was once a leader in the automotive industry in the early 20th century, exporting 15% of the world’s vehicles in 1937 and 52% in 1950, becoming an acknowledged global hotspot for car manufacturing.
The good times did not last and the emergence of production in low-cost countries saw a lot of the major automotive names leave, forcing the UK to adapt and evolve.
It has done just that. In recent years, the sector has managed to re-invent itself as a hub for the development of new, cutting-edge mobility solutions within both electric and autonomous vehicles. Universities have joined forces with the big OEMs and industry disruptors and a lot of the new technology sweeping the market is being driven from our shores.
Just this month we have also seen Go Ahead announce a major £500m investment to decarbonise its fleet, featuring a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.
The industry does, however, remain in the throes of intense competition from new players within battery-electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen and hybrid car brands. Many of these are relatively young, agile companies with nothing to lose and a shorter route to market.
So, for the UK manufacturing industry to remain competitive and relevant, it is imperative that the established companies continue to embrace new ways of thinking.
Elliot Clarke, UKI Regional Director of PTC
Drastically reduced development times
Take standard vehicle development time for example. Not so long ago, the average duration was around 60 to 72 months. Today, some Chinese carmakers claim that they can reduce it to just 28 months.
The industry average is probably around 32 to 40 months, but that is still significantly lower than just a few years back. There is no doubt that modern software tools, such as digital twins, are a contributing factor to the shorter development cycles, but there is far more to it than just cutting time-to-market.
In my opinion, digital twins can play a key role in the transformation of the automotive industry, not least in high-cost countries such as the UK. And I am convinced that the use of digital twins will become even more widespread, as the digitisation of vehicles continue to progress.
Digital twin architecture
Why? Because there are several competitive advantages associated with implementing a digital twin architecture in your development and manufacturing processes, regardless of whether you are an OEM or a supplier further down the chain.
One is improved decision-making in the early design phase, as the technology allows quicker additions or replacement of parts, thus saving costs on physical prototypes. Other advantages are enhanced virtual simulation and the possibility of enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty via digital solutions.
Customer centricity is key
Looking ahead, I think it is important to stress the fact that digital twins – like any other new technology – is not a quick fix. Nor should we ignore some of the obvious hurdles associated with adapting new technology.
Some of the primary challenges are associated with determining what aspects of the twin are aligned with the right use cases and the expected business value, given the high initial investment required.
In addition to these strategic issues, common challenges can involve isolated and unconnected legacy systems and processes. In that sense, effective data management and integration, along with addressing security and privacy concerns, are crucial when implementing digital twin technology.
But these challenges should by no means overshadow its immense potential. Not only in the development phase, but also in a broader and more commercial context, where customer centricity becomes a key focus.
If a vehicle is not connected and its data cannot be analysed in real-time, then providing first-class customer-centric services and optimising the development of future car generations becomes challenging. This is exactly where digital twins come into their own.
There is really no excuse for the UK automotive industry to not step fully into the digital world. Failure to act may well see it lose its unique opportunity to establish itself as a global force in clean mobility.
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