米国調査会社ナビガントリサーチ（Navigant Research）の調査レポート「持続可能な製造業のためのデジタルツインというアプローチ」は、デジタルツインについて論じている。デジタルツイン技術を定義し、どのように持続性や効率性に適うように使用されるかについて分析している。運用効率性の需要進展に伴うデジタルツイン技術の哲学や基本、発展の可能性について記載している。デジタルツインの可能性を最適化しようとする企業への助言も記載している。

Efficiency in operations and product design optimization have become strategic imperatives in manufacturing. In addition, pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to adopt sustainable business practices makes it more difficult for manufacturing companies to maintain their bottom line. Although digital twin technology is often marketed as the silver bullet for manufacturing, offering to increase inefficiencies in operations, facilitate innovative product design, and promote sustainable practices, digital twins are simply a tool. The reality is that obtaining the technology does not guarantee success—companies need to know how to effectively leverage it to achieve their sustainability goals. And successful implementation requires changes at the organizational level.

The digital twin approach presents many advantages for manufacturing companies. Employing the breadth and depth of the information afforded through the use of digital twins enables companies to not only defend their position in the market by increasing efficiency in operations but also grow their market share by optimizing product development and innovation. Implementing digital twins does not necessarily require new tools but rather a new approach for managing and using data.