#38: Digital Twins vs. Virtual Twins with Ramesh Haldorai

In this episode of Stay Sharp with Razorleaf, our hosts Jen and Eric are joined by Ramesh Haldorai, VP of Strategic Consulting for the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at Dassault Systèmes. They dive into the world of virtual twins, exploring their definitions, benefits, and real-world applications in design and manufacturing. Tune in to discover how virtual twins are revolutionizing product development and operations.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Virtual and Digital Twins:Ramesh shares his journey in the PLM domain and introduces the concept of digital twins vs. virtual twins.Discussion on the transition from CAD to PLM and the role of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in bridging the gap.Defining Virtual and Digital Twins:Understanding the difference between digital twins (system-level models) and virtual twins (integrated functional simulations).The importance of seamless integration and the focus on system functionality and simulation.Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE):Ramesh explains how MBSE is transforming product development by enabling detailed functional definitions and simulations.The role of MBSE in reducing rework and improving cross-disciplinary collaboration.Benefits of Virtual Twins:How virtual twins minimize the need for physical prototypes, saving time and costs.The advantages of proactive issue resolution and simulation of real-world scenarios.Practical Applications in Industry:Real-world examples from automotive, power plants, and more, showcasing how virtual twins enhance design and operational efficiency.The significance of simulating customer environments to identify and resolve potential commissioning issues early.Extending Virtual Twins to Manufacturing:Exploring the creation of virtual twins for factories and manufacturing processes.Benefits of virtual simulations in anticipating production issues and optimizing manufacturing workflows.Integrating IoT and Virtual Twins:How IoT data enhances virtual twins, supporting maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).The crucial role of a continuous feedback loop between physical and virtual models for operational excellence.Starting Your Virtual Twin Journey:Ramesh advises on assessing business problems and potential ROI before embarking on virtual twin integration.The importance of incremental adoption and focusing on specific business challenges to ensure successful implementation.Closing Thoughts:Eric and Ramesh discuss the value of taking a phased approach to adopting virtual twins.Jen summarizes key takeaways, highlighting the transformative impact of virtual twins on modern manufacturing and design.Stay connected with Stay Sharp with Razorleaf by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and following us on social media. Share your feedback and join the conversation! For questions or comments, email us at [email protected] you for tuning in to this insightful episode on the power of virtual twins. Until next time, stay sharp!Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.