In short
A digital twin is a digital copy of a process, installation, or system. You can use such a model to better understand what is happening, calculate scenarios, and substantiate choices with data.
In this course, you will learn to recognize and assess the value and application possibilities of digital twins, even if you do not have a specific technical background. You will link the technology to sustainability projects, with a focus on the energy transition. At the end, you will work out a concrete challenge in a digital twin blueprint for your own work environment.
This course is intended for professionals in the (process) industry and (climate-neutral) chemistry who want to play a role in the digital and sustainable transition of their organization. Think of process operators, maintenance managers, and operational team leaders. You do not need a specific technical background, but you do need the drive to identify opportunities for improvement and participate in discussions about digitization and sustainability.
After completing this course, you will be better able to assess the value of digital twins and translate that into your own practice. You will be able to:
- Bridge the gap between the (chemical) process, management, and technical specialists.
- Recognize opportunities for optimization, energy savings, and circularity in your own work processes.
- Formulate a substantiated business case for a digital twin project.
- Participate more actively in discussions and decisions about digitization and sustainability initiatives.
You developed the following e-CF competency areas (according to the European e-Competence Framework (e-CF): a European framework for ICT competencies)
- Plan: Align IT strategy with business goals and define requirements for new solutions.
- Enable: Ensure that IT processes directly support business functions.
Is it right for you?
This course is intended for professionals in the (process) industry and (climate-neutral) chemistry who want to play a role in the digital and sustainable transition of their organization. Think of process operators, maintenance managers, and operational team leaders. You do not need a specific technical background, but you do need the drive to identify opportunities for improvement and participate in discussions about digitization and sustainability.
After this, you can
After completing this course, you will be better able to assess the value of digital twins and translate that into your own practice. You will be able to:
- Bridge the gap between the (chemical) process, management, and technical specialists.
- Recognize opportunities for optimization, energy savings, and circularity in your own work processes.
- Formulate a substantiated business case for a digital twin project.
- Participate more actively in discussions and decisions about digitization and sustainability initiatives.
Areas for development
You developed the following e-CF competency areas (according to the European e-Competence Framework (e-CF): a European framework for ICT competencies)
- Plan: Align IT strategy with business goals and define requirements for new solutions.
- Enable: Ensure that IT processes directly support business functions.
Structure and content
Curious about what you can expect? Here you can read about how the course is structured, which topics are covered and how you can combine the programme with your work and private life. This will allow you to immediately determine whether it fits your schedule and ambitions.
About the programme
Structure
The course consists of five parts and lasts ten weeks. You will follow most of the course online. There are five online group sessions in which you will exchange experiences and refine your approach.
Programme
You will get an overview of what a digital twin is and when it makes sense to use this tool. The main themes are:
- What is a digital twin: background, definitions, and the three components.
- Why use a digital twin: predictive maintenance, optimization with what-if scenarios, real-time control, acceleration of R&D, remote assistance, training, and safety.
- Digital twins in (climate-neutral) chemistry and energy transition: examples from manufacturing, utilities, and the process industry.
How to get started: what you need and what you will encounter in practice.
You will conclude with a practical assignment in which you will draw up a digital twin blueprint for a specific challenge in your own work environment.
Why this course?
- From insight to optimization: You move from ‘running’ to targeted improvement with ‘what-if’ scenarios.
- Sustainability and energy transition: You look for opportunities for energy savings, circularity, and more efficient use of resources.
- Bridge function in your organization: You learn to better connect the language of process, management, and specialists.
- Blueprint as end product: You conclude with a digital twin blueprint for a challenge in your workplace.
- Flexible and largely online: You learn where and when it suits you, with five online group sessions.
Working and learning
The total study load is 140 hours, spread over 10 weeks (an average of 14 hours per week). You will work with online material and prepare for the group sessions with assignments and reflection. At the same time, you will build your digital twin blueprint, working step by step toward a concrete end product.
Practical information
Before you start the course, you will naturally want to know how everything is organised. In this section, you will find all the practical information you need: from admission requirements to costs and subsidy options. You can read about how to apply and find answers to frequently asked questions.
EQF level 4 and at least 3 years of work experience.
Upon completion, you can choose between:
- A: Certificate of completion
- B: Certificate: Proof of acquired competencies (5 EC): assessment of the final assignment (digital twin blueprint) and a written test on parts 1 to 4.
This course delivers immediate value for your organization because participants learn how to translate the value of digital twins into practice. They identify opportunities for improvement in terms of optimization, energy savings, and circularity, and develop these into a concrete digital twin blueprint. This gives you a better-informed basis for deciding whether or not to proceed. And a solid starting point when you actually get started.
Admission requirements
EQF level 4 and at least 3 years of work experience.
Accreditation
Upon completion, you can choose between:
- A: Certificate of completion
- B: Certificate: Proof of acquired competencies (5 EC): assessment of the final assignment (digital twin blueprint) and a written test on parts 1 to 4.
For the employer
This course delivers immediate value for your organization because participants learn how to translate the value of digital twins into practice. They identify opportunities for improvement in terms of optimization, energy savings, and circularity, and develop these into a concrete digital twin blueprint. This gives you a better-informed basis for deciding whether or not to proceed. And a solid starting point when you actually get started.
Just Transition Fund (JTF)
Zuyd Flex Tech is co-financed by the European Union through the Just Transition Fund (JTF). The fund supports regions in their transition towards a climate-neutral economy.
Would you like to read this again calmly?
The brochure contains all the details clearly laid out, so you can take your time to look through everything again.
Still unsure about applying?
One of our training advisors will be happy to contact you to answer your questions and work with you to determine whether the training program is right for you.