Digital Thread: Components from Coursera

This course will help you recognize how the "digital thread" is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design (DM&D) transformation, turning manufacturing processes from paper-based to digital-based. You will have a working understanding of the digital thread – the stream that starts at product concept and continues to accumulate information and data throughout the product’s life cycle – and identify opportunities to leverage it.

Gain an understanding of how "the right information, in the right place, at the right time" should flow. This is one of the keys to unlocking the potential of a digital design process. Acknowledging this will enable you to be more involved in a product’s development cycle, and to help a company become more flexible.

Main concepts of this course will be delivered through lectures, readings, discussions and various videos.

This is the second course in the Digital Manufacturing & Design Technology specialization that explores the many facets of manufacturing’s “Fourth Revolution,” aka Industry 4.0, and features a culminating project involving creation of a roadmap to achieve a self-established DMD-related professional goal. To learn more about the Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology specialization, please watch the overview video by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://youtu.be/wETK1O9c-CA

What's inside

Syllabus

Digital Thread Defined

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to the context and definition of the digital thread. Details of individual lessons in this module are provided below.

Data Storage in the Digital Thread

The purpose of this module is to explore the different strategies and components affecting data storage in the enterprise. Building on effective information technology practices, the module will develop learners' knowledge of well developed data storage strategies. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze an organization’s data storage strategy and make recommendations for improvement in performance and robustness. Details of individual lessons in this module are provided below.

Data Sharing and The Digital Thread

The purpose of this module is to explain factors impacting the ability of organizations to share data (internally and externally). Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to evaluate data sharing strategies and point out potential strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Details of individual lessons in this module are provided below

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Course takes a multi-disciplinary approach to Digital Manufacturing & Design (DM&D)

Students will be able to identify and leverage the "digital thread."

Taught by noted industry professional

Focuses on "right information, in the right place, at the right time."

Develops foundational knowledge of the digital thread with its backbone, data storage, and various methods of data sharing

May be particularly useful for those working in the manufacturing industry

Reviews summary

Informative course on digital thread components

Learners say this good course provides very informative content on digital thread components. It covers key aspects well and is considered by students to be a great course for those interested in digital manufacturing. The structured, easy-to-follow format with clear explanations makes the material accessible to learners of all types. Students appreciate the inclusion of video examples and website links to enhance their understanding of the concepts being taught.

Video examples and website links enhance learning.

"Students appreciate the inclusion of video examples and website links to enhance their understanding of the concepts being taught."

Concepts are easy to understand and follow.

"The structured, easy-to-follow format with clear explanations makes the material accessible to learners of all types."

Covers key components and concepts in depth.

"Learners say this course provides very informative content on digital thread components."

"It covers key aspects well and is considered by students to be a great course for those interested in digital manufacturing."

Some reference materials and videos are dated.

"A lot of the reference reading and supplemental video material is quite dated (2016 and earlier), and some videos on YouTube are no longer available."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Thread: Components with these activities:

Explore industry case studies on Digital Thread implementations

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Gain insights from real-world examples of how companies have successfully implemented digital threads, broadening knowledge and expanding perspectives.

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Identify industry-leading companies that have adopted digital threads.
Read case studies and articles on their implementation strategies.
Attend webinars or online presentations showcasing these case studies.

Practice digital thread use in a fictitious scenario

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Enhance understanding of the digital thread by simulating its application in different contexts.

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Create a hypothetical manufacturing scenario involving complex products.
Define the flow of information and data throughout the product's lifecycle.
Identify potential challenges and opportunities for leveraging the digital thread.

Develop a Digital Thread Concept for a Product

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Gain practical experience in designing and implementing a digital thread for a specific product, deepening understanding of its components and benefits.

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Select a product and its manufacturing process.
Identify key data points and information to be captured throughout the product lifecycle.
Design a digital thread architecture to connect different systems and processes.
Implement the digital thread and monitor its impact on product development and manufacturing.

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Career center

Learners who complete Digital Thread: Components will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Data Scientist as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Architect

Data Architects design and build data systems to meet the needs of an organization. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Data Architect as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Data Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Data Analyst as it helps learners analyze an organization’s data storage strategy and make recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data sharing strategies and potential strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, which is valuable knowledge for Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

CNC Machinist

CNC Machinists operate computer-controlled machines to create parts and products. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a CNC Machinist as it helps learners understand the concept of the digital thread, which is a stream that accumulates information and data throughout a product’s life cycle. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for CNC Machinists.

See salaries and explore the career path for CNC Machinist

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Manufacturing Engineer as it helps learners understand the concept of the digital thread, which is a stream that accumulates information and data throughout a product’s life cycle. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Manufacturing Engineers.

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Quality Control Inspector

Quality Control Inspectors ensure that products and services meet quality standards. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Quality Control Inspector as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Quality Control Inspectors.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems to meet the needs of an organization. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Software Architect as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Software Architects.

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Information Architect

Information Architects design and organize information systems to improve the user experience and make information more accessible. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as an Information Architect as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Information Architects.

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Design Engineer

Design Engineers design and develop products. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Design Engineer as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Design Engineers.

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Robotics Technician

Robotics Technicians install, maintain, and repair robots. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Robotics Technician as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Robotics Technicians.

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Knowledge Management Specialist

Knowledge Management Specialists develop and implement strategies to capture, organize, and share knowledge within an organization. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Knowledge Management Specialist as it helps learners understand the concept of the digital thread, which is a stream that accumulates information and data throughout a product’s life cycle. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Knowledge Management Specialists.

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Production Supervisor

Production Supervisors oversee the production of goods and services. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Production Supervisor as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Production Supervisors.

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Digital Transformation Manager

Digital Transformation Managers lead and manage the implementation of digital technologies within an organization. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Digital Transformation Manager as it helps learners understand the purpose and definition of the digital thread, which is the backbone of the digital manufacturing and design transformation. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for Digital Transformation Managers.

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Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technicians use software to create and modify designs for products and structures. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a CAD Technician as it helps learners understand the concept of the digital thread, which is a stream that accumulates information and data throughout a product’s life cycle. Additionally, the course may also help build a foundation for understanding data storage and sharing strategies, which are important considerations for CAD Technicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

Data Management Architect

A Data Management Architect devises standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines to maximize the value of an organization's data assets. The Digital Thread: Components course may be useful to prepare for a career as a Data Management Architect as it explores strategies and components affecting data storage in the enterprise. Students learn to analyze an organization’s data storage strategy and make recommendations for improvement in performance and robustness, which are important skills for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Management Architect