If you could count the number of times you have heard, lately, the term Digital Twin and the different definitions of it, you would be surprised at the high number.

The Digital Twin is all the rage. That much is clear. What is not so clear, however, is what a Digital Twin helps with. And that is the reason for this short article. To answer a simple question: What is a Digital Twin for in the water sector?

It will sound very obvious, but the reality is that the main, and I would say the only, function of a Digital Twin is to ensure improved performance of its Real Twin, i.e. the asset(s) and/or processes it monitors and controls.

This main function applied to the water sector means reducing the consumption of reagents in the treatment processes, reducing the energy consumption of pumping systems, maximizing the lifetime of assets, predicting asset maintenance, reducing unscheduled downtime, improving water quality, detecting leaks and flow theft, predicting overflows and a long etc., which help to a more efficient, productive and economic management of such a valuable and scarce asset as water.

Finally, I would like to point out that although Digital Twins are fashionable nowadays, it is a very old concept that with other names and forms have existed in the world around us. Moreover, in terms of water, which is what concerns us today, it has been present in the sector for years and this is demonstrated by some examples such as the Digital Twins of the Consorci d'Aigües de Tarragona and the Metropolitan Area of Valencia.

For #MonoM, Digital Twins are undoubtedly a basic tool in the digital transformation of water companies. And it is this truth that has allowed us to develop the best functionalities to solve the different needs of water companies, starting from the Digital Twins.

Have a happy and prosperous day.

Antonio Ramirez - CMO MonoM (Alava Group)