Digital twin in industrial networks: A cost-benefit analysis in Operational Technology

Security in Operational Technology (OT) networks has different challenges when compared with traditional networks. Availability and visibility are of higher importance than data integrity, and problems in cyber security face different challenges. The start-up narrowin offers a digital twin software solution with which companies can scan their existing network topology. With this visibility, they can optimize and monitor their infrastructure and ensure the availability of the OT network.

Koke, Fabian, 2024

Art der Arbeit Master Thesis
Auftraggebende
Betreuende Dozierende Scherb, Christopher, Senn, Tim, Rahadi, Raden Aswin
Keywords Operational technology, OT network topology, digital twin, cyber security in OT, cost-benefit analysis, product management, industrial networks
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However, despite the known benefits of digital twin software, its usage in the industry is limited. This research aims to identify the underlying reasons for this limited adoption by understanding the customer requirements using a newly developed approach. In addition, a roadmap based on use cases was created to develop the software further. A thorough literature review identifies the challenges a company faces in the OT environment and identifies the previous research in the field. The differences between the IT and OT fields are shown, and the impacts of the IT/OT convergence are highlighted. To identify customer requirements, product management methodologies, particularly the use case approach, are researched.
The research process consisted of interviews and a workshop with experts active in OT-network environments. The insights of these interviews were used to identify product features, highlighting gaps in the current implementation of the digital twin. A comprehensive CBA evaluated product features and together with the interview findings a suitable persona was created, which targets gaps in the current digital twin solution.
The findings suggest that by aligning the digital twin software with customer needs through the implementation of the CBA approved persona features a broader adoption can be achieved. To conclude, the thesis provides insights how customer specific challenges of a digital twin software can be addressed. The research contributes to the goal of enhancing cyber security and operational excellence in industrial environments.
Studiengang: Business Information Systems (Master)
Vertraulichkeit: öffentlich
Art der Arbeit
Master Thesis
Autorinnen und Autoren
Koke, Fabian
Betreuende Dozierende
Scherb, Christopher, Senn, Tim, Rahadi, Raden Aswin
Publikationsjahr
2024
Sprache der Arbeit
Englisch
Vertraulichkeit
öffentlich
Studiengang
Business Information Systems (Master)
Standort Studiengang
Olten
Keywords
Operational technology, OT network topology, digital twin, cyber security in OT, cost-benefit analysis, product management, industrial networks