Output Obsession: Turning Digital Twins into Productive Assets

Are you stuck in the “perfect is the enemy of good” trap? This phrase refers to a situation where businesses prioritize achieving an unrealistic level of perfection over delivering any value at all. In this context, output obsession can stifle innovation and prevent companies from fully harnessing the potential productivity benefits that digital twins offer.

Introduction

In today’s business environment, businesses are increasingly turning to digital twins as a tool for innovation and efficiency. A digital twin is essentially a virtual replica of an asset or process in real-time, which allows organizations to monitor and improve performance through simulation and analysis. However, simply having a digital twin does not automatically turn it into a productive asset—it needs to deliver tangible value.

For example, General Electric’s Predix platform uses digital twins to optimize the maintenance of aircraft engines, leading to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency. By leveraging this technology, companies can transform their assets into intelligent, self-optimizing systems that provide real-world benefits.

Main Points

1. Prototype Thinking × Life Design (Derives From, Derived Into)

One aspect of breaking out of output obsession is adopting a prototype thinking approach in your life design. Prototype thinking involves rapid experimentation and iteration to rapidly test ideas quickly and get them into the hands of users for early feedback. By adopting this mindset, you can transform digital twins from mere artworks into assets that deliver real-world value.

For example, consider how GE Aviation uses digital twin technology to develop and refine aircraft engine designs in a rapid, iterative process. This approach enables engineers to test various configurations and optimize performance before committing resources to physical prototypes.

By embracing prototype thinking, companies can break free from the constraints of output obsession and focus on delivering practical outcomes that drive real-world value.