Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry

Digital twin technology offers immersive and cost-effective solutions for workforce training, yet its practical implementation within SME training frameworks remains limited. This study develops and evaluates the Digital Twin Framework for Workforce Training (DT4WFT), addressing key challenges such...

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Main Authors: Carlos E. Cremonini, Carlos Capela, Agostinho da Silva, Marcelo C. Gaspar, Joel C. Vasco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Systems
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/2/120
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author Carlos E. Cremonini
Carlos Capela
Agostinho da Silva
Marcelo C. Gaspar
Joel C. Vasco
author_facet Carlos E. Cremonini
Carlos Capela
Agostinho da Silva
Marcelo C. Gaspar
Joel C. Vasco
author_sort Carlos E. Cremonini
collection DOAJ
description Digital twin technology offers immersive and cost-effective solutions for workforce training, yet its practical implementation within SME training frameworks remains limited. This study develops and evaluates the Digital Twin Framework for Workforce Training (DT4WFT), addressing key challenges such as resource constraints and precision through tools like Siemens NX Mechatronic Concept Design (MCD) and StoneCUT@Line<sup>®</sup>. Employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative insights from managers, and quantitative analysis demonstrated the framework’s potential to enhance operator performance, improve efficiency, and reduce lead times. However, the validation was based solely on managerial perceptions, as the framework has not yet been implemented in real-world settings. Statistical analysis confirmed strong correlations between the framework’s perceived implementation and improved training outcomes, highlighting its scalability and adaptability. Future research should focus on practical implementation, cross-industry applications, and longitudinal studies to evaluate sustained impacts, ensuring the DT4WFT framework’s broader relevance and effectiveness in workforce development.
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spelling doaj-art-c5fdf26b85cb478a8513787ad13e490f2025-08-20T02:03:31ZengMDPI AGSystems2079-89542025-02-0113212010.3390/systems13020120Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone IndustryCarlos E. Cremonini0Carlos Capela1Agostinho da Silva2Marcelo C. Gaspar3Joel C. Vasco4ESTG-IPLeiria—School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, PortugalESTG-IPLeiria—School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, PortugalESTG-IPLeiria—School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, PortugalESTG-IPLeiria—School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, PortugalESTG-IPLeiria—School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, PortugalDigital twin technology offers immersive and cost-effective solutions for workforce training, yet its practical implementation within SME training frameworks remains limited. This study develops and evaluates the Digital Twin Framework for Workforce Training (DT4WFT), addressing key challenges such as resource constraints and precision through tools like Siemens NX Mechatronic Concept Design (MCD) and StoneCUT@Line<sup>®</sup>. Employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative insights from managers, and quantitative analysis demonstrated the framework’s potential to enhance operator performance, improve efficiency, and reduce lead times. However, the validation was based solely on managerial perceptions, as the framework has not yet been implemented in real-world settings. Statistical analysis confirmed strong correlations between the framework’s perceived implementation and improved training outcomes, highlighting its scalability and adaptability. Future research should focus on practical implementation, cross-industry applications, and longitudinal studies to evaluate sustained impacts, ensuring the DT4WFT framework’s broader relevance and effectiveness in workforce development.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/2/120digital twin technologyworkforce trainingsmall and medium enterprises (SMEs)simulation-based learningindustrial digital
spellingShingle Carlos E. Cremonini
Carlos Capela
Agostinho da Silva
Marcelo C. Gaspar
Joel C. Vasco
Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry
Systems
digital twin technology
workforce training
small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
simulation-based learning
industrial digital
title Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry
title_full Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry
title_fullStr Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry
title_full_unstemmed Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry
title_short Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry
title_sort digital twin integration for workforce training transforming smes in the ornamental stone industry
topic digital twin technology
workforce training
small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
simulation-based learning
industrial digital
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/2/120
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