A standard-aligned reference model for digital twin systems: foundational work toward the V³ framework for smart manufacturing

Abstract

The increasing adoption of Digital Twin (DTw) technologies in the manufacturing industry has revealed significant gaps in methodological consistency, standard alignment, and interoperability across hierarchical levels and lifecycle phases. Current implementations often lack a unifying structure that connects design, operation, and data continuity, hindering scalability and integration within smart manufacturing environments. This master’s research develops and validates a Reference Model for Digital Twin implementation, establishing the foundational structure for what will evolve into the V³ Framework in subsequent doctoral work. The proposed model aligns with international standards, including RAMI 4.0, ISA-95, IEC 62890, ISO 23247, and ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288, to ensure semantic interoperability and traceability across system layers and lifecycle stages. The research adopts a V-Model approach for systematic validation and verification, combining computational simulation in Siemens Tecnomatix Process Simulate with semantic modeling through AASX Package Explorer. Experimental validation was conducted using the FESTO Meclab System, demonstrating how the proposed structure enables the creation of interoperable digital assets compliant with the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) specification. Results confirm that the Reference Model provides a robust foundation for structuring DTw systems, facilitating standardized information exchange and modular system expansion. This work establishes the conceptual and experimental groundwork for the forthcoming V³ Framework, which will integrate lifecycle synchronization, hierarchical interoperability, and digital-thread continuity to support industrial digital transformation and smart manufacturing ecosystems.