Digital Thread is Critical to Success: Aras Study

A report from Aras found that nearly nine out of 10 organizations view the digital thread as critical to driving success with next-generation technology initiatives, such as AI, automation, and robotics.

“Today’s transformative technologies, like AI, are fueling a seismic shift in how products are designed, built, and maintained,” says Roque Martin, CEO of Aras. “Meeting the demands of this new era requires visibility, security, and compliance, all of which rely on accurate, connected data. That starts with a strong digital thread.”

Key takeaways:

·        When asked about the top drivers for improving digital thread capabilities, 41% of respondents cited enabling advanced analytics and AI, 38% pointed to improving product quality, and 36% reported improving service and support. These priorities reflect a fundamental challenge: AI’s ability to deliver meaningful results depends on the quality of the data behind it.

·        Even as companies rally around the importance of the digital thread, many are struggling to implement it. According to the report, 46% of respondents cite product complexity as a significant challenge, while 36% point to difficulty tracking changes over time. Extensive configurations (35%) and disconnected supply chains (33%) are also seen as major obstacles to success.