ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TWIN WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

Abstract

Digital twins have the potential to support the decision-makers that design, build, operate, and maintain the platforms that the Department of the Navy (DON) relies upon to conduct naval operations. However, the thin body of knowledge on digital twins presents a challenge for the DON as the range of applications and risks associated with onboarding digital twins are still unclear. This thesis conducts a qualitative technology assessment to determine the effects that adopting digital twins has on the DON’s enterprise architecture. Analysis of an enterprise-wide adoption identifies opportunities and risks of digital twins within the context of the DON’s strategy, processes, people, technology, cyber security, and risk management. The business value provided by digital twins is principally dependent upon the aggregate risk value of the physical platform and the fidelity and frequency of the digital twin’s synchronizations.