"With the introduction of the Digital Twin platform and digital nameplates, we are setting a new standard that not only increases safety and efficiency in the operation of process plants, but also makes a significant contribution to the digital transformation of the industry," explains Roland Dunker, Head of Digital Services at R. Stahl. "Our platform enables seamless integration and interaction with digital twins, which enables customers to make significant cost savings and improvements from the planning of a plant, its operation and subsequent recycling."

In the Digital Twin platform, all relevant data - from planning, commissioning and ongoing operation to decommissioning - is available directly and interoperably, which supports precise maintenance and fast troubleshooting. It also promotes sustainable operating practices by minimizing planning costs, data maintenance efforts and downtime and reducing environmental impact, according to the explosion protection provider.

The digital type plate is a technological advancement of the conventional type plate. Among other things, it provides all the necessary information and markings for the safe use and maintenance of products in digital form. Using QR codes or RFID tags in accordance with IEC 61406, which are attached to the products, this information can be accessed worldwide and at any time.

R. Stahl has successfully implemented submodels such as Digital Nameplate, Technical Data, Handover Documentation and Contact Information in accordance with the strict specifications of the IDTA (Industrial Digital Twin Association). "With the complete implementation of the IDTA submodels for all product types and instances, R. Stahl is one of the innovators in its industry. Many other component manufacturers are also following this path. In this way, the interoperable digital twin is becoming a reality," explains Meik Billmann, Managing Director of IDTA. "The combination of digital type plates and digital twins points the way forward for efficient plant operation and the interoperable use of data in the process industry," emphasizes Björn Höper, Head of Working Group 1.4 'Administration Shell' in the NAMUR user association.

Basis for the digital product passport in accordance with the EU regulation

The combination of digital type plates and the Digital Twin platform based on R. Stahl's administration shells also addresses another compliance issue: in accordance with the European Union's ESPR regulation (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation), products are expected to be required to have a digital product passport (DPP) from 2026. The measure aims to provide information about products regarding their origin, composition, use and recycling in digital form in order to enable the sustainability and recyclability of products. This is made possible by the solution based on digital type plates (in accordance with IEC 61406) and administration shells in the Digital Twin platform.