News & Blogs
Stay updated with the latest news, insights, and expert blogs from Emixa. Explore industry trends, digital innovations, and company updates all in one place.
Digital Twin & Thread: From Complexity to Competitive Advantage
The complexity of contemporary product and production processes is increasing explosively. Companies have to deal with customised products, quality, cost reduction, flexibility, sustainability and so on. Complexity is the central theme for all these topics, but how can you turn this complexity into a competitive advantage? Most manufacturing companies know that they need to continuously evaluate and improve the product development process to keep up with the competition. To this end, incremental investments are constantly being made that consciously or unconsciously contribute to a total digital transformation. In previous blogs we have discussed various separate topics in the field of digitisation that are relevant for manufacturers. We have talked about: Breaking down the silos between engineering and production Gaining insight into production processes via simulation models The virtual commissioning of a line or machine The transition from 2D drawings to Model Based Definition Data exchange within the supply chain For all the topics above, they contribute to digitisation within manufacturing. Of course, there are many other important technologies or solutions besides these topics that we will explain in future blogs. This time, our focus is on the overarching theme that ties all these topics together: 'Digital Twins' and the 'Digital Thread.' As we engage with companies about these concepts, we observe a significant increase in manufacturing knowledge over recent years. While only a few years ago, these terms were relatively unfamiliar, it's now apparent that almost everyone has developed their own understanding of them. However, given the varied definitions we frequently encounter, this blog aims to articulate our perspective on these two terms. Digital Twin When we talk about digital twins, we often talk about different variants. For example, you can have a digital twin of your product, but also of your production process. In short, a digital twin for me is the digital counterpart of reality, where all relevant up-to-date information is connected. So when we talk about a digital twin of the product, we don't just mean the 3D CAD file. Although this is of course an important part of the digital twin, that file does not contain all the information. Think of all the requirements and specifications that determine the product, or the performance of the product itself. In our view, a complete digital twin of the product contains simulation models that predict, for example, the rigidity of a product or the air resistance. Of course, the same applies to the digital twin of production. This also includes all the tools, resources, actions, quality controls, programming, etc. required for actual production. Again, simulation models are included that can predict output, guarantee safety and ergonomics on the floor and prevent bottlenecks or collisions with robots and AGVs. The added value of these digital twins includes the fact that everything can be validated and prepared in a virtual environment before a physical product or process is set up. This helps companies bring better products to market faster and at lower cost. Even after the physical products and production processes have been set up, the digital twins offer added value. Most products and processes now contain numerous sensors that collect data on performance. This real-time data can flow back into the digital twins to provide additional insights and implement a process of continuous improvement. However, it is a prerequisite for this that the various applications and departments within companies are well-connected to each other. This brings me to the second term. Digital Thread When we talk about the 'Digital Thread' we mean one integrated stream of data across the different phases of the product development cycle. This means both a connection between the different departments within a company, such as sales, engineering, production and service, but also between the different applications within a company, such as CPQ, PLM, ERP, MES, etc. By connecting all the information, you create a digital thread. This creates traceability in the process. This traceability is becoming increasingly important. Consider the aviation or medical industry, for example. Because traceability ensures that the impact of a change is immediately transparent, and thus prevents mistakes from being made. Does a customer change a requirement halfway through the process? It is then immediately clear which functions and components need to be changed as a result, where they currently are in the process and who is working on them. Thanks to their predictability and traceability, the Digital Twin and Digital Thread can help companies turn increasing complexity into a competitive advantage. Up for a brainstorm? Curious about the other benefits of digital twins and the digital thread? Want to know what digitisation can mean for your business and how we can help you with that? Reach out to us, and we'll gladly provide you with more information.
What is the Role of Low-Code in Manufacturing Menus—and Why Is It Transforming Digital Manufacturing?
In modern manufacturing, digital transformation is no longer a future ambition—it’s a present-day imperative. One of the most powerful yet underutilised tools driving this transformation is low-code development. Combined with the concept of a manufacturing menu, low-code is enabling manufacturers to build flexible, scalable applications that standardise processes, boost agility, and bring innovation to the shopfloor faster than ever before.
3 reasons why clear KPI’s can help a Product Owner
The Product Owner role (often given different names but generally the same concept) involves prioritising the product backlog with the right vision to maximise product value. Many organisations interpret this “product” quite broadly, while one of Scrum’s core values is “focus.” Unfortunately, this focus is often lacking, causing a Product Owner to work on various “parts” of a product that should actually be separate products. Therefore, having a clear overview of KPIs can help a Product Owner focus on the aspects of the product that positively contribute to these indicators.
YALA Streamlines and Enhances Delivery Process with a New Application
An increasing number of holidaymakers seek an experience that combines the best of both worlds: being close to nature and enjoying the outdoors without compromising on comfort—Glamping. YALA provides unique and versatile canvas lodges, glamping tents, and safari tents that create this experience. YALA's luxurious tents can be fully customized with interior, sanitation, and heating according to preferences. This extends the outdoor season for holiday parks or campsites and increases occupancy rates.
How to Download the Brain of Your Best Operator?
You've probably noticed that the average age of production workers is increasing, and retirement is approaching sooner. This has a few, but crucial, implications for the industry. What happens to valuable knowledge? In this blog, we'll share more about what you can do to address this issue.
LMtec Digital Solutions Joins Forces with Emixa
Emixa, the leading SAP/Siemens/Mendix technology partner, is investing in LMtec Digital Solutions, with support from Holland Capital. With this partnership, Emixa expands its presence into the DACH region and further enhances its product and service offerings, accelerating the digital transformation of its international Industry 4.0 clients. Collaboration LMtec Digital Solutions is a leading partner of Siemens Digital Industries Software with offices in Germany and Switzerland, specialized in providing PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions, including maintenance, technical support, and consultancy. This partnership contributes to their vision of playing a significant role in the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, also known as ‘Industry 4.0’, through technologies such as Siemens, SAP, and Mendix. Furthermore, this collaboration offers its employees opportunities for international development within the wide range of services, technologies, and countries where the group operates. Expansion into DACH region The acquisition of LMtec Digital Solutions is the next step in Emixa’s expansion strategy. Including LMtec, Emixa now employs over 520 professionals, focusing on product lifecycle and asset management, IT architecture, low-code applications, system integrations, and process optimization, primarily targeting the manufacturing industry. The group aspires to become the leading player in Western Europe, and has now expanded its operations to the DACH region, in addition to the Benelux and the United Kingdom. Peter-Jan Simons, CEO of Emixa, commented, "LMtec is a strategic addition to our group, bringing high-level expertise in digital transformation to the modern industry. I am very excited about this addition, as together with LMtec, we can mutually now better serve our customers in the DACH region within the technology triangle of SAPSiemens-Mendix. Additionally, our consultants will have more international career opportunities. LMtec's Siemens PLM expertise will boost our Siemens activities in Europe and elevate our partnership with Siemens to a higher level." Peter Wassmer, Managing Partner of LMtec Digital Solutions, stated, "Siemens recognizes Emixa as a leading specialist capable of delivering solutions based on SAP/Siemens/Mendix technology. Joining forces with Emixa is the perfect combination to realize our existing vision: to act as a trusted digital coach for our clients in addressing their digital thread for product and production." About LMtec Digital Solutions LMtec, founded in 2014, provides digital transformation consultancy, architecture, and implementation of PLM solutions, licenses, and IT services across all industrial sectors. With a team of more than 70 experts in Central Europe, its mission is to enable valued customers to innovate and bring better products and services to the market more quickly. They achieve leading innovation through in-depth industry knowledge, PLM best practices, unique processes, and technological skills. LMtec is a Smart Expert Partner of Siemens Digital Industries Software, SAP and Mendix in the DACH region. About Emixa Emixa offers its clients innovative, high-quality, full-service solutions in the field of digital transformation, with a special emphasis on the manufacturing industry, also known as 'Industry 4.0,' using Siemens (PLM), SAP (ERP), Mendix (Low Code Applications), and other leading technologies. The group operates in the Benelux, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland. The foundation for Emixa was established in 2022 when the companies Appronto, cards PLM Solutions, Dimensys, Magnus, and OnePLM joined forces with the support of Holland Capital. More information Would you like to know more about Emixa? And are you curious about our solutions that allow you to speed up your digital transformation? Then don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to meet you!
Low-code in Manufacturing
Low-code platforms, such as Mendix, ensure faster and more advanced application development. These applications shorten the lost time that has to be used and processes in your company that arise from underlying standard applications do not cover the need. Applications are developed very quickly, and fully customized and function in the application landscape, so that you can start improving and accelerating your processes and production in no time.
Emixa Shines at Siemens EMEA Partner Summit 2025
Emixa has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to digital transformation at the Siemens EMEA Partner Summit 2025 in London. The company secured multiple prestigious awards, highlighting its leadership in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) adoption, and sales excellence.
How the CM2 Game teaches the true value of Configuration Management
What is Configuration Management, and why is it so important? How the CM2 Game teaches the true value of Configuration Management