The Digital Thread is not a single technology but an entire ecosystem that links various enabling technologies to ensure smooth, continuous data flow. It integrates diverse tools and systems to maintain an uninterrupted stream of information across the manufacturing lifecycle. Industrial IoT sensors gather real-time data from machines, while cloud and edge computing provide fast, scalable storage and processing. AI and ML then analyze this data to deliver predictions and smarter operational decisions.

Looking ahead, the Digital Thread is a key driver of Industry 4.0 and beyond. It lays the foundation for smart factories that are highly automated and capable of self-optimization in real time. Acting as the backbone of connected manufacturing, it allows seamless data flow to support faster, more efficient, and smarter operations. Crucially, the Digital Thread spans the entire manufacturing life cycle, maintaining continuous data integration from initial concept through end-of-life.

• How can you harness the growing importance of the Digital Thread in advancing connected manufacturing?
• What is the growth potential of disruptive technologies across manufacturing processes, and which technologies can work together in a Digital Thread?
• How will the Digital Thread support smarter factories, new services, and sustainability?