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Digital twin technology continues to transform industries from manufacturing to public safety. Yet, misconceptions hold many organizations back from unlocking their full potential. Our analysis of 660 industry leaders across 11 sectors from Hexagon’s Digital Twin Industry Report reveals the truth behind these myths.  

Learn these key insights and discover how digital twins can transform your organization. 

Myth 1: Digital Twins Replace Human Expertise

Many leaders believe that digital twins will replace human decision makers. In reality, digital twins enhance decision making by offering real-time, data-driven insights humans can use to make better, more informed choices. While 53% of executives report that digital twins handle some tasks that were previously manual, 59% see their digital twins as tools that empower human teams rather than replace them.

Myth 2: You Need a Complete Digital Transformation

There’s a misconception that companies must overhaul all processes to adopt digital twin technology. The reality? Many organizations can start small and implement digital twins for single assets or specific functions before expanding their use. Companies can often begin with a targeted approach, first experiencing the value, then scaling up. This phased approach enables companies to build on small successes without requiring a massive upfront transformation.

Myth 3: Perfect Data from the Start

Data quality remains crucial, but organizations don’t need flawless data to start developing digital twins. Many companies begin with whatever data they have, even on paper. They then start with digitizing and improve data quality over time through indexation and validation of information as needed. Digital twins can function with incremental improvements to help make it easier for teams to gradually enhance their datasets.

Myth 4: Digital Twins Work Only for Equipment

Some view digital twins as relevant only to specific machinery, like engines or turbines. However, digital twins can represent entire systems – supply chains, production lines or quality-control processes. In public safety, for example, digital twins help model complex systems like crowd management or emergency response to provide real-time situational awareness. Digital twins support both equipment and broader operational ecosystems. 

Myth 5: Costs Spiral Out of Control

While worries about cost overruns discourage companies from pursuing digital twins, our report shows that sectors like oil & gas, mining and public safety can manage costs effectively. Only 13% of oil & gas respondents reported significant cost issues, with others finding success by working with experienced partners and setting realistic project scopes. Careful planning can help organizations avoid excessive costs while capturing the benefits of digital twins.

Partner With Us and Learn More

Digital twins drive smarter decisions, streamline operations and advance sustainability goals. Organizations increasingly recognize the value of digital twins beyond use in tech-heavy environments, as they offer scalable solutions that drive real results across various applications. Discover Hexagon’s Digital Your Way, the program that lets organizations build their transformation roadmap at their own pace and turn complex data into actionable insights.

To learn more about how digital twins could benefit your organization, download the full Hexagon Digital Twin Industry Report.