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Ken English

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.

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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

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Digital thread core concepts

According to learners, this course offers a clear and solid foundation (positive) for understanding the Digital Thread concept and its components (neutral). Students highlight the lectures (positive) and course materials for explaining core ideas effectively, finding the content highly relevant (positive) to modern industry practices, particularly in Industry 4.0 (neutral). Specific modules on data storage and sharing (positive) were frequently mentioned as being insightful and valuable (positive). While generally well-received, some reviewers suggested adding more practical examples or technical depth (warning) to enhance the application of the concepts learned.
Provides a solid foundational overview.
"This course provided me with a solid foundation..."
"I got a good overview of the concept."
"This was an excellent introduction to Digital Thread."
Data Storage & Sharing are highlights.
"I found the data storage module particularly insightful."
"I thought the data sharing section was very useful."
"These modules provided me with practical insights."
Directly applicable to modern manufacturing.
"I found this highly relevant for anyone in the Industry 4.0 space."
"The content is directly applicable to my job."
"I see this as essential knowledge for professionals."
Explains core ideas effectively.
"The definition of Digital Thread was very clear for me."
"It really helped me grasp the main components."
"I finally understood how information should flow after taking this course."
Could use more technical detail/examples.
"I wished there were more practical examples or case studies."
"It felt a bit theoretical at times."
"I think it could benefit from more technical depth on specific technologies."

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
Gain insights from real-world examples of how companies have successfully implemented digital threads, broadening knowledge and expanding perspectives.
Browse courses on Digital Thread
Show steps
  • 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
Enhance understanding of the digital thread by simulating its application in different contexts.
Browse courses on Digital Thread
Show steps
  • 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
Gain practical experience in designing and implementing a digital thread for a specific product, deepening understanding of its components and benefits.
Browse courses on Digital Thread
Show steps
  • 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.
Show all three activities

Career center

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

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Digital Thread: Components.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital manufacturing, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of digital manufacturing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital manufacturing technology, covering the fundamental principles, technologies, and applications. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field.
A practical guide to PLM and its applications, this book provides valuable information on Digital Threading as it functions within the modern industrial ecosystem.
Provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise information systems, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of enterprise information systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data mining, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of data mining.
Provides a comprehensive overview of big data analytics, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of big data analytics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning for data science, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of machine learning for data science.
Provides a comprehensive overview of deep learning for natural language processing, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of deep learning for natural language processing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of computer vision.
Provides a comprehensive overview of robotics, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of robotics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mechatronics, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of mechatronics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems, covering the principles, technologies, and applications of this emerging field. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deeper understanding of embedded systems.

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