A three-dimensional representation, a BIM model or a visualization
platform do not, by themselves, constitute a Digital Twin.
The maturity level depends on the progressive integration of the
physical asset, data, models, analytics, management and interaction capabilities.
Digital Model
Structured representation of the physical asset through BIM, GIS,
Reality Capture, Scan-to-BIM, technical documentation and attributes.
Digital Shadow
The physical asset automatically updates its digital representation
through IoT, SCADA, PLC, BMS and sensor networks.
Physical → Digital
Digital Twin
Integrates contextualization, simulation, analytics, prediction,
lifecycle management and, at advanced levels, bidirectional
interaction with the physical asset.
Physical ⇄ Digital
Figure 1. R-E-C-P-G-A Methodological Framework for Digital Twin
Development in Infrastructure. Source: author's own elaboration.
R
Represent
Data acquisition and asset inventory through BIM,
engineering models, LiDAR, photogrammetry, drones,
point clouds, 3DGS, GIS and legacy data.
Result: reliable digital representation.
E
Structure
Organization of assets, operational variables,
sensorization, IoT, data architecture, communications
and cybersecurity.
Result: structured digital model.
C
Connect
Integration with IoT, SCADA, PLC, BMS and supervisory systems,
incorporating data ingestion, cleansing, validation and contextualization.
Result: Digital Shadow.
P
Predict
Physics-based and engineering models, advanced analytics,
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, anomaly detection
and scenario simulation.
Result: Predictive Digital Twin.
G
Manage
Integration with ERP, CMMS/GMAO and EAM to maintain asset traceability
throughout operation, maintenance, replacement and modernization.
Result: Operational Digital Twin.
A
Act
Recommendation, supervision or control through bidirectional interaction,
with different levels of autonomy and human oversight.
Result: Advanced Digital Twin.
EVOLUTION
From the Physical Asset to the Advanced Digital Twin
PHYSICAL ASSET→DIGITAL MODEL→DIGITAL SHADOW→PREDICTIVE DIGITAL TWIN→OPERATIONAL DIGITAL TWIN→ADVANCED DIGITAL TWIN
The methodology does not require immediately reaching the highest level.
Each stage may represent an independent level of maturity, investment
and measurable outcome.
APPLICATIONS
Infrastructure and Application Sectors
Energy
Generation, transmission, distribution, substations,
BESS, microgrids and Distributed Generation.
Transportation
Bridges, roads, railways, tunnels and airports.
Hydraulic Infrastructure
Dams, water networks, treatment plants,
pumping stations and irrigation systems.
Industry
Industrial plants, machinery,
production lines and processes.
Urban Infrastructure
Complex buildings, hospitals, campuses,
data centers and public infrastructure.
Distributed Generation
Previous sector-specific application of the Digital Twin approach
to electrical distribution networks.
Architecture and information exchange for Digital Twins.
ISO 19650-1:2018
Information management using BIM.
ISO 55000 / ISO 55001
Asset management and life cycle management.
IEC 62443
Cybersecurity for industrial automation and control systems.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Information security management.
These references support the conceptual and technical components.
The R-E-C-P-G-A maturity model constitutes the author's methodological proposal.
AUTHOR
Luis T. Mayta Garcia – CIP 21837
Luis T. Mayta Garcia – CIP 21837
Mechanical-Electrical Engineer from the National University of Engineering – 1979,
with a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Expert of the Appraisal Center
of the Peruvian College of Engineers – Lima.
Professional with experience in rural electrification project development,
energy infrastructure supervision, construction management and development of
new services. Specialized in projects related to renewable energy,
energy-efficiency technology solutions and Digital Innovation.
Technical Publications
“Diagnosis of the Challenges of Rural Electrification in Peru” –
Working Paper No. 23-GFE, OSINERGMIN (2009).
“BESS and Ancillary Services: An Opportunity of up to US$ 90 Million
Annually for the SEIN” – CCIP.
“Digital Twins to Accelerate Distributed Generation in Peru” – CCIP.
“Methodological Framework for Digital Twin Development in Infrastructure:
Six-Stage R-E-C-P-G-A Maturity Model” – CCIP, 2026.
