Software Update: Enterprise Resource Simulator (ERSยฎ) 0.7.1.

Software Update: Enterprise Resource Simulator (ERSยฎ) 0.7.1.

We’re excited to announce the release of Enterprise Resource Simulator (ERSยฎ) version 0.7.1, the latest version of our high-performance simulation platform for developers.ย 

ERSยฎ enables software teams to build powerful, domain-specific simulation applications on top of a modern simulation engine, supporting discrete event, agent-based, and hybrid simulation models.ย 

This release introduces Dear ImGui support, Channels, stability improvements, and bug fixes designed to make developing simulation applications more efficient.ย 

What's new in ERSยฎ 0.7.1?

Build Powerful Tools with Dear ImGuiย 

One of the highlights of ERSยฎ 0.7.1 is the addition of Dear ImGui (Immediate Mode Graphical User Interface) support.ย 

Dear ImGui is widely used for building fast, responsive tools for engineers, developers, and technical users. By integrating Dear ImGui into ERSยฎ, developers can rapidly create user interfaces without the overhead typically associated with traditional GUI frameworks.ย 

This makes it particularly useful for developing:ย 

  • Interactive simulation dashboardsย 
  • Debugging and monitoring toolsย 
  • Model configuration panelsย 
  • Custom editors and visualizersย 
  • Engineering applications with real-time feedbackย 

ERSยฎ now provides developers with more flexibility to build intuitive interfaces that integrate closely with their simulation logic. This enables faster prototyping, shorter development cycles, and responsive applications capable of interacting with complex simulation models.ย 

Introducing Channelsย 

ERSยฎ 0.7.1. also introduces Channels, providing a structured and efficient way for simulation components to exchange information.ย 

Channels make communication between components cleaner and more scalable, helping developers build modular, maintainable, and reusable simulation applications.ย 

Whether you’re modelling logistics systems, manufacturing processes, transportation networks, or digital twins, Channels simplify the exchange of information throughout your simulation models while helping to keep the application architecture clean and extensible.ย 

Stability and Performance Improvementsย 

In addition to these new features, ERSยฎ 0.7.1 includes bug fixes, performance optimizations, and stability improvements across the platform, providing an even more reliable foundation for developing simulation applications.ย 

Get Started with ERSยฎ 0.7.1

ERSยฎ is built for developers who need the freedom to create custom simulation solutions rather than being limited by traditional simulation software.ย 

Whether you’re developing digital twin applications, decision-support tools, or entirely new simulation products, ERSยฎ provides the performance, flexibility, and extensibility needed to build simulation technology around your specific use case.ย 

Software Update: Enterprise Dynamics 10.7.1

Software Update: Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.7.1.

Following the introduction of the completely renewed licensing system in Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.7, we’re pleased to announce the release of Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.7.1.

This release focuses on refining the user experience based on valuable feedback from our customers. Alongside improvements to the License Manager, version 10.7.1 introduces enhancements for developers, expanded integration capabilities, and some bug fixes that further improve the stability and usability of Enterprise Dynamics.

What's new in Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.7.1?

License Manager Improvements

Following the introduction of the new License Manager in Enterprise Dynamics 10.7, version 10.7.1 delivers a wide range of refinements based on customer feedback. The licensing workflow has become more intuitive, with clearer messages, improved license borrowing and release functionality, easier offline activation, and enhanced support for automated workstation licensing. Several technical improvements have also been implemented, making license management more reliable and flexible for both individual users and larger deployments.

Improved tools for model developers

Enterprise Dynamics 10.7.1 also introduces several improvements aimed at developers and advanced users. The debugger has been reworked to provide greater stability and a smoother debugging experience, while the Function Editor now better detects unsaved changes and provides clearer warnings before closing. Pressing the Escape key no longer immediately closes a function, giving users the opportunity to save their work first and reducing the risk of accidentally losing changes.

Socket communication has also been improved. Connections are now more reliable thanks to automatic reconnection after failed transmissions, while new functionality such as SocketListen provides greater flexibility when integrating Enterprise Dynamics with external applications.

Based on requests from several users, MultiVectorFieldsSize is now an updatable variable. In addition, a new Python example model has been included in the Software Development Kit (SDK), demonstrating how Enterprise Dynamics can exchange information with external Python scripts by sending and receiving data. This makes it even easier to integrate simulation models into modern automation, optimization and data analysis workflows.

Stability improvements

As with every maintenance release, Enterprise Dynamics 10.7.1 includes numerous fixes that improve the overall reliability of the software. Stability of the debugger has been increased, error handling has become more robust, several editor functions have been refined, and floating-point accuracy has been improved. Together, these updates contribute to a smoother and more predictable modeling experience.

German tutorial now available

To better support our growing international user community, the Enterprise Dynamics Tutorial is now available in German.

Get Started with Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.7

Ready to explore how Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.7 can elevate your material handling, transportation, and supply chain simulation projects? Learn more about Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ and get started today!

Digital Twins Revolution: Transforming Airport Management

Digital Twins Revolution: Transforming Airport Management by InControl and Business Partners

The Evolving Aviation Landscape

The global aviation industry is soaring back to pre-pandemic levels, and the future promises even more expansion. In North America, the FAA predicts that U.S. commercial air travel will grow at a steady 2.6% annually, surpassing 1 billion passengers by 2033. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport is preparing to accommodate over 90 million passengers annually by 2026, reinforcing the Middle Eastโ€™s role as a pivotal global hub.

Across the Pacific, Chinaโ€™s aviation market is on track to become the worldโ€™s largest by 2035, with passenger numbers tripling compared to pre-pandemic levels. Europe, despite its mature infrastructure, anticipates a 50% surge in air travel by 2040โ€”posing challenges for already congested facilities. Latin America, too, is experiencing unprecedented growth. Mexico, for instance, is set to double its passenger movements to 137 million by 2043.

Yet, this expansion does not come without its challenges. The aviation industry is undergoing a transformation: the shift toward net-zero emissions, the emergence of electric aircraft and advanced air mobility, and a new era of passenger expectationsโ€”all demanding smarter, more agile airport management.

The Strategic Agility Imperative

Airport operators must embrace a new kind of strategic agility to navigate these evolving demands. This means not just reacting to change but staying ahead of it:

  • They must anticipate capacity needs across all operational areas, ensuring theyโ€™re ready for fluctuating passenger volumes.
  • When disruptions ariseโ€”whether from weather, security incidents, or staffing shortagesโ€”airports must adapt quickly and efficiently to minimize delays.
  • Airports can no longer operate in isolation. Coordinating at a network level, rather than optimizing a single facility, will be key to sustaining smooth global travel.
  • The airports that will thrive are those that can continuously evolve, leveraging real-time intelligence to enhance operations.

From Reactive to Proactive: A Data-Driven Approach to Airport Management

Imagine an airport where every decisionโ€”whether about passenger flow, baggage handling, or security checkpointsโ€”is driven by real-time data. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, airport managers anticipate bottlenecks before they happen. Delays are minimized, staff is deployed efficiently, and passenger journeys are seamless.

This is the impact of Total Airport Management (TAM), supported by Digital Twin technology. By integrating real-time data from airside, landside, and terminal operations, airports can transition from a fragmented approach to a unified, data-informed ecosystem.

With predictive analytics, an airport can foresee potential congestion pointsโ€”whether at security lines or immigrationโ€”and resolve them before passengers even notice an issue. Scenario modelling allows operators to test different strategies in a risk-free virtual environment, evaluating how changes in staffing or gate assignments might impact efficiency.

Cross-functional teams gain a shared situational awareness, ensuring that from the control tower to the check-in counter, everyone is working towards the same operational goals. Performance indicators are continuously tracked, aligning airport management with broader strategic objectives.

The Seamless Journey: Engineering Exceptional Passenger Experiences

For todayโ€™s PAX, efficiency isnโ€™t enoughโ€”they want a seamless, stress-free experience from booking their flight to arriving at their final destination. But what does that really mean?

Consider a PAX arriving at a major international airport. Instead of long queues, they breeze through security, thanks to biometric verification. Their luggage is tracked in real-time via an app, giving them confidence it will arrive at their final destination. Smart wayfinding guides them intuitively through the airport, eliminating the confusion of navigating a complex terminal.

Waiting time becomes value-added timeโ€”instead of frustration, the passenger enjoys well-designed lounges, personalized retail options, and entertainment experiences tailored to their interests. Even during disruptions, airports maintain service quality through proactive rescheduling and instant communication.

Digital Twin Simulation for Airports: A Game-Changer in Decision-Making

To make this seamless experience a reality, airports need powerful tools that help them predict and prepare for any scenario. This is where InControlโ€™s digital twin simulation comes in.

With over 26 years of expertise in airport operations, InControl offers an advanced simulation platform that allows airport operators to test, visualize, and optimize every aspect of their ecosystem before making real-world investments.

Using historical data, real-time inputs, and predictive algorithms, this digital twin provides a risk-free environment to experiment with changes before implementing them. Whether itโ€™s baggage handling, border control, cargo operations, or multimodal transportation, the platform ensures airports operate at peak efficiency.

Key capabilities:

Comprehensive system modeling
Digital representations of all airport subsystems allow simulations of complex interactions, such as how passenger flow affects baggage handling or how infrastructure constraints impact turnaround times

Predictive scenario planning
By analyzing historical trends and real-time data, airports can forecast the impact of operational strategies before executing them.

Resource optimization
Airports can fine-tune staffing, equipment deployment, and facility usage to balance operational efficiency with passenger comfort.

Future Ready
With this technology, airports can confidently enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve passenger satisfactionโ€”all while preparing for the future.

The Power of Integrated Expertise:
A Collaborative Approach to Solving Complex Challenges

Transforming airport operations isnโ€™t just about technologyโ€”it requires the right mix of expertise. Thatโ€™s why InControl Enterprise Dynamics has partnered with Boosten Consultancy, EDUMATECH, and Mijksenaar, creating a powerhouse team that combines:

InControl

Cutting-edge simulation technology

Boosten Consultancy

Strategic consulting to align digital twin insights with business objectives

Mijksenaar

Human-centered design to optimize passenger flow and airport usability

Together, this partnership delivers both data-driven insights and strategic decision-making support, ensuring that every change benefits both operational efficiency and human experience.

At an operational level, real-time data integrated with predictive models enables airports to continuously adjust staff schedules, equipment deployment, and facility usageโ€”ensuring resources are allocated where theyโ€™re needed most.

And most importantly, the human element is never forgotten. Whether designing intuitive wayfinding systems, creating efficient work environments for airport staff, or engaging stakeholders in long-term planning, this approach ensures that airports remain people-centric, despite their increasing complexity.

The Way Forward: Building the Airports of Tomorrow, Today

As global airports face mounting pressure to expand, enhance sustainability, and improve passenger experiences, digital twin technology presents a transformative solution. By leveraging advanced simulation, strategic consulting, and human-centred design, airport operators can build facilities that are not only efficient and profitable but also adaptable to the ever-changing demands of the future.

Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technology, InControl and its partners are shaping the next generation of airportsโ€”ones that seamlessly connect people with their destinations while delivering exceptional experiences along the way.

Contact information

To learn more about how digital twin technology and total airport management can transform your airport operations, connect with the experts:

Frank van Poeteren
InControl Enterprise Dynamics
Frank.van.Poeteren@incontrolsim.com

Geert Boosten
Boosten Consultancy
Geert.Boosten@boostenconsultancy.nl

Aad Kalkman
Mijksenaar
Kalkman@mijksenaar.com

TruVenue: Revolutionizing Sports and Entertainment Safety, Recognized with the Golden Eagle Award

TruVenue: Revolutionizing Sports and Entertainment Safety, Recognized with the Golden Eagle Award

In July 2024, TruVenue, InControlโ€™s cutting-edge digital twin application for sports and entertainment venues, has been honored with the Golden Eagle Award by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCSโด**) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

The Golden Eagle Award: A Mark of Excellence

The Golden Eagle Award honors outstanding achievements in system integration, architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) that specifically enhance the safety and security of spectators and facility infrastructure. This award is highly recognized within the industry for technologies and solutions that not only address safety gaps but also maintain a balance between security and fan experience.

A panel of subject matter experts (SMEs) assessed entries based on their relevance to the sports industry, effectiveness in solving critical safety issues, and innovative use of technology. TruVenue was selected as the winner for its innovative approach to balancing fan safety and experience, using data-driven simulation to optimize event operations and prepare for emergencies.

TruVenue: Enhancing Safety and Fan Experience Through Simulation

TruVenue, is a digital twin application that allows sports and entertainment venues to simulate every aspect of the fan journey, from ticket purchase to leaving the event. By leveraging real-time data and interactive 2D and 3D mapping tools, TruVenue provides venue managers with a powerful tool to visualize, plan, and optimize every aspect of the event.

Key challenges for venues include managing pedestrian traffic, parking, transportation, and logistics, all while ensuring adherence to safety rules. TruVenue addresses these complexities by providing simulations that enable stakeholders to test different scenarios, to identify and mitigate potential safety risks and liabilities before they arise. Whether it’s ensuring smooth pedestrian flow or responding to an emergency, TruVenue enables pre-event analysis and planning to minimize disruptions and optimize venue operations.

Life-Saving Simulations: When Minutes Matter

One of the most impactful applications of TruVenue lies in its potential to save lives during emergencies. Through 2D and 3D mapping, the digital twin allows venues to simulate emergency scenarios, mapping out where AEDs, first-aid kits, ambulances, and fire water connections are located. Staff and emergency responders can practice simulations to ensure they are prepared to act swiftly when real-life emergencies occur. By identifying the quickest routes to aid stations and evacuation paths, TruVenue prepares staff to handle crises confidently and efficiently.

Emergency Preparedness for Mass Casualty and Severe Weather Events

TruVenue enables venues to rehearse evacuations, coordinate medical and law enforcement responses, and prepare for scenarios such as bombings, active shooter or car raming situations.

For venues particularly vulnerable to severe weather, TruVenue is an invaluable tool. The platform allows operators to simulate sheltering capacities and evacuation times, ensuring spectators can reach safety before dangerous conditions arise. Even venues with outdoor or temporary structures, which may not fully meet International Code Council sheltering standards, can benefit from these life-saving simulations.

Industry Recognition and the Future of Venue Safety

TruVenueโ€™s digital twin application sets a new standard for safety preparedness in sports and entertainment venues. By leveraging simulation, venue operators can better prepare for emergencies, optimize operations, and ultimately enhance both security and the fan experience. This award-winning solution underscores the critical role of innovation and foresight in ensuring that every fan can enjoy events in a safe, secure environment.

At InControl, we are committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that help venues run safer and more efficient events. TruVenue embodies this mission by empowering operators with the tools to enhance safety, streamline operations, maximize revenue opportunities and improve the overall fan experience.

Take the next step in Venue Safety

Discover how TruVenue can transform safety and operations at your venue. Contact us today for a demo and see how our digital twin application can help you prepare for any scenario and ensure the highest level of safety for your fans and staff.

** About NCS4:

Established in 2006, The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi is the world leader in addressing potential threats and risks to the safety and security of sporting events.

Their program is top among academic institutions studying techniques, strategies and solutions to mitigate the safety and security risks inherent in spectator sports venues. Through cutting-edge research, internationally recognized educational programs, training and innovative solutions, NCS4 continues to enhance the level of preparedness at sports events nationwide. Housing the National Institute for the Study of Sports Incidents and the National Sports Security Laboratory, NCS4 equips current and future sports managers with the specialized skills and knowledge they need to address real challenges in maintaining secure sports venues.

Their mission is to conduct innovative research, provide internationally recognized academic programs, enhance training capabilities and develop integrated security solutions.

For more information visit their website.ย 

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Enterprise Dynamics 10.6.1

Introducing Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.6.1: Discover What's New

We are excited to announce the latest release of our Digital Twin simulation software, Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.6.1.

Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ is the leading simulation software for material handling, logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing. It plays a vital role across all project phases, from design to implementation and operations.

With Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ, you gain valuable insights to facilitate well-informed decisions. It enables you to construct business cases based on your organization’s real data. Utilize its 3-D visualization capabilities to enhance systems, demonstrate the impact of various scenarios, and convey decisions in a comprehensible manner. Our software is equipped to help you address a wide range of challenges effectively.

In version 10.6.1, weโ€™ve introduced new technical features and enhanced the user experience to streamline workflows and accelerate model creation.

Key Features of Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.6.1:
  1. Starting Debugger on Code
    Debugging just got more efficient. You can now start the debugger directly on specific code, without manual activation. Simply place the EnterDebugger command with a parameter of 1 or True, and the debugger will automatically activate when the code runs. Without a parameter, the debugger only executes if already active.

  2. Customizable Channel Size
    To improve usability on high-resolution monitors, the size of channels connecting atoms can now be adjusted. This enhancement makes it significantly easier to connect channels, offering greater precision and flexibility.
  1. Autosaving and Auto-loading the Interact
    Enhance your workflow with the ability to automatically save and load your Interact configurations. When enabled in the preferences, the Interact data is saved alongside your simulation model as a .4DSi file. Upon loading the model, the Interact will automatically reload. Additionally, .4DSi files can be easily reused in other models by right-clicking the tab and selecting the desired file via Load Tabs.

For more details on these new features and additional improvements, view the Release Highlights document (pdf).

Experience Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ 10.6.1:

Curious about how Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ can optimize your business operations and drive value for your customers?

Reach out to our team today to learn more, or experience the software firsthand by downloading the free trial. Start exploring the possibilities with Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ and see how it can transform your decision-making processes.

For more information, or to see the software in action, please contact us and schedule a demo.

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Pedestrian Dynamics 4.5

Introducing Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5: Enhanced Modeling Efficiency and Control

We are pleased to announce the release of Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5, the latest update in our advanced crowd simulation digital twin software. This release offers improvements in user-friendliness, expanded modeling capabilities, and greater control over simulation parameters. These upgrades are designed to simplify your workflow, provide more realistic simulation options, and give you enhanced flexibility for complex models and scenarios.

Key Features of Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5:

Enhanced User-Friendliness and Faster Model Building

Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5 streamlines model setup with the introduction of a new filter tool, which enables users to quickly select multiple elements at once. This feature enables quick and easy bulk selection on specific element types within your model. ย When used with the multi-edit tool, it allows rapid property adjustments across selected elements, significantly reducing the setup time.

By focusing on usability and efficiency, weโ€™ve made it possible for users to build and refine models faster, allowing more time to focus on testing and analyzing scenarios and results.

Expanded Functionality with Configurable Elevators

Weโ€™ve expanded the softwareโ€™s capabilities to support configurable elevator availability. Now, you can control elevator usage patterns to simulate different operating conditions, from peak times to restricted access scenarios. This feature is ideal for environments where elevator demand fluctuates, such as multi-floor facilities, transport hubs, and public venues.

Configurable elevators enable you to simulate dynamic interactions and evaluate the impact of elevator availability on crowd movement, offering more insights for scenarios where elevators play a critical role in pedestrian flows.

Improved Modeling Control with Specified Agent Paths

The new release includes an agent path control feature, enabling users to specify which corridors agents will use to reach their destinations. This level of control allows for highly customizable routing, making it easier to reflect specific movement patterns within your model. Whether you’re simulating emergency exits, one-way systems, or controlled access zones, you can now guide agent movements with precision.

This added flexibility means you can better model real-life scenarios where pedestrian flow is directed, restricted, or influenced by specific spatial configurations. The agent path control feature is ideal for complex environments like airports, urban centers, and stadiums where accurately modeling pedestrian routes is essential.

For more details on these new features and additional improvements, view the Release Highlights document (pdf).

Experience Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5:

Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5 introduces new tools and features that make the software more intuitive, flexible, and realistic. With improvements like an enhanced user interface, greater control over agent movement, and advanced elevator functionality, this release reflects our commitment to enhancing usability and expanding capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our users.

Ready to experience the advancements yourself? Download the free trial today and explore how Pedestrian Dynamicsยฎ 4.5 can elevate your modeling and simulation projects.

For more information, or to see the software in action, please contact us and schedule a demo.

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How Wageningen University & Research Integrates Simulation Software in Education

How Wageningen University & Research Integrates Simulation Software in Education

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Rene Haijema, Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Rene is Associate Professor in Business Analytics (Data Science & Operations Research) with strong interests in practice oriented and scientific research directed to improve business processes/decisions by quantitative data driven and model-based research. He explained the usage of quantitative methods (Machine learning, Optimization, and Simulation) to evaluate and improve (Food) Supply Chain Management and in particular Inventory management.

During his insightful presentation he explained how he incorporates our Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ discrete event simulation software into his courses. The InControl team was impressed by the real-world cases he shared, from sectors like Food, Agriculture, Pharma, and harbor logistics, showcasing how he provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in simulating complex systems. These hands-on skills are essential for preparing students for their future careers. Rene proved to be a genuine ambassador of WUR.

Wageningen University and Research institute (WUR) is a world-renowned institution specializing in life sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies. Based in the Netherlands, it is recognized for its pioneering research and education in key areas such as food production, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity. WUR is worldโ€™s most sustainable university and is rated (by students) for 18 years in row as the best university in The Netherlands. WURโ€™s mission is to enhance the quality of life through scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders in the Wageningen domain.

Following the presentation, Rene spoke with our Manager of Research and Education Nienke Valkhoff, CCO Frank Van Poeteren, and the ERS (Enterprise Resource Simulator) development team to discuss our next-generation simulation platform, ERS. The ERS platform can perform multi-threaded simulation and therefore remove the existing inhibitors (the required computational power and time). This new platform is multi-formalistic, supports multi-threaded simulations, and offers multi-language capabilities, opening exciting possibilities for the future of simulation technology.

We are proud to see Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ is playing a key role in education, helping shape the next generation of professionals by our simulation software licenses, tutorials, videoโ€™s, cases and guest lectures, we continue to support academic and professional development.

For more information visit:

Transforming Manufacturing through Data: The Digital Factory of the Future Project (DFOF)

Transforming Manufacturing through Data: The Digital Factory of the Future Project

InControl is proud to contribute to the Digital Factory of the Future (DFoF) project. The project aims to provide insights and proof that implementation improvements within the factory can be obtained by using data-driven initiatives. It is conducted in a consortium of multiple companies e.g., KMWE, IJssel, De Cromvoirtse, Omron, Neways; academic institutes TU/e and Fontys, and research institutions e.g., TNO.

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, the Digital Factory of the Future (DFoF) project emerges as an innovative initiative aimed at transforming traditional production processes through the power of data. At the heart of the DFoF project lies a visionary blueprint that holds the potential to reshape data storage, utilized, and shared within manufacturing ecosystems.

To showcase the potential for companies, the Multi-Agent System (MAS) in combination with the use of the International Data Space (IDS) is demonstrated, tested, and visualized in a simulation environment. InControl sponsors this research and will train and support a master’s and bachelor’s thesis student, a PhD, and researchers of Fontys to build the simulation in Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ, InControl’s software for Digital Twins.

The project
The Digital Factory of the Future (DFoF) project aims to create a blueprint Digital Twin, including the building blocks necessary to better store and utilize data.

This data can be used to implement improvements within the factory, ranging from the production processes to the entire planning of the supply chain. The goal of the blueprint Digital Twin is also to use and create open standards in order to share data within and between companies. Examples of these open standards are the โ€œSmart Connected Supplier Networkโ€ (SCSN), Asset Administration Shells (AAS), and the International Data Space (IDS).

The basis for this digitization of data is a digital copy of the factory where (inter)activity of processes, goods, machines, inventory, and people can accurately be captured and tested. InControl is an expert leader in providing specialist software for building and storing such Digital Twins of factories.

An important aspect of the project is also to showcase to (potential) companies how new data-driven initiatives can help to improve various KPIs throughout their companies, for example, through the connection of data and simulations in order to increase the flexibility of production systems.

An example of this is through the use of a MAS, where, through the use of collected data from the shop floor, agents autonomously learn from their environment in order to improve the production planning and scheduling process, as well as control assets on the shop floor. Results from this project have already showed to be promising. In order to showcase the potential for companies, a state-of-the-art Digital Twin (simulation and visualization) that utilizes the proposed MAS planning and control solution of a (real) shop floor is required. Enterprise Dynamicsยฎ, InControl’s software is ideal to build such a Digital Twin.

A Digital Twin has multiple benefits:

Analyzing the implementation of various โ€œwhat-ifโ€ scenarios (i.o.w. experiment within the shop floor without the need to implement them in real life)

Increasing efficiency and productivity by simulating new planning approaches, highlighting possible inefficiencies

Showing the real-time situation of the shop floor, providing an enhanced way of giving feedback on the status of the shop floor.

Overall, the proposed solution can help companies to understand the importance of digitalization of a factory or operational plant and to make clear what benefits such a Digital Twin is able to bring.


Results:
InControl supports the students and researchers during this thesis project by providing its leading software for the creation of a digital factory. In addition, InControl actively will train, guide, and support the students in building a reliable digital twin model of the DFoF. The results of the research project will be presented beginning next year.

InControl is a trusted and pro-active partner in many joint research projects that InControl also sponsors or invests in. InControl contributes to academia with free software licenses to use its leading simulation software. In addition, we support students and professors with guest lectures, ready-to-go student assignments, training & support on the use of our software, and our years of experience building and running simulations.

Contact dr. Nienke Valkhoff at research@incontrolsim.com if you need a solid Digital Twin for research, teaching, or thesis.

To design, integrate and operationalize Digital Twins into your organization, please contact us.

Get inspired by other research projects