Application of digital shadows on different levels in the automation pyramid

The concept of digital shadows helps to move from handling large amounts of heterogeneous data in production to the handling of task- and context-dependent aggregated data sets supporting a specific purpose. Current research lacks further investigations of characteristics digital shadows may have when they are applied to different levels of the automation pyramid. Within this paper, we describe the application of the digital shadow concept for two use cases in injection molding, namely geometry-dependent process configuration, and optimal production planning of jobs on an injection molding machine. In detail, we describe the creation process of digital shadows, relevant data needs for the specific purpose, as well as relevant models. Based on their usage, we describe specifics of their characteristics and discuss commonalities and differences. These aspects can be taken into account when creating digital shadows for further use cases.