MINULATE

Project Duration:
Nov 1, 2025 bis Nov 1, 2027

Project Management:
Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque (WHZ)

Partner:
SimPlan AG, Hanau

Application Partner:
Franz Tölke GmbH, UHU GmbH & Co. KG, Unternehmen der Automobilindustrie

Funding Program:
"Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM) des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK)-Projektform FuE-Kooperationsprojekte"

The University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ) is responsible for the scientific leadership of the subproject “Development of a Framework for the Automated Synchronization of Simulation-Based Digital Twins” within this project. Our research focuses on:

Data mapping and data integration

We are researching and developing solutions for the semantic and syntactic linking of data and process models between the real system (digital twin), the process mining environment, and the simulation model. The goal is to create a generic data mapping module that can be deployed with minimal configuration effort and allows for flexible adjustments even during operation.

Method Integration and Orchestration

We investigate how process mining, material flow simulation, and data analytics can be optimally integrated to enable automated and repeatable deviation analysis. This includes:

• Data provision from the digital shadow
• Data extraction and preparation for simulation experiments
• Automatic data and parameter adjustment in the simulation model based on analysis results
• Ensuring continuous synchronization of all components

Framework Development and Evaluation

Using scientific methods, we develop a framework that integrates the described functionalities and validate it using specific industrial application scenarios. In doing so, we continuously evaluate the quality of the automatically generated model adjustments and iteratively optimize the algorithms.

Contributed Expertise

WHZ brings many years of expertise in the following areas:

• Material flow simulation in production and logistics
• Process mining as a supportive analytical method for modeling
• Operational production planning and control
• Data-driven methods for decision support for medium-sized manufacturing companies

Project Leader Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque is an expert in the implementation-oriented development of production systems, a member of the board of the Simulation Working Group (ASIM), and actively contributes to VDI Guideline 5000, “Digital Factory Twin.” With his Industry Analytics research group, the WHZ has extensive project experience in applying data-driven methods for industry (including DataLab WestSax, iDEV4.0, and Future Mobility).

Innovation Potential

Minulate builds on innovative research findings regarding the combination of process mining and material flow simulation (including those from the predecessor project SimProve) and further develops them in a targeted manner. The planned IT service addresses a need not yet met in the market and has the potential to make the use of digital twins in production and logistics more cost-effective in the long term.

Close collaboration between WHZ, as a research institution, and SimPlan AG, as an experienced simulation service provider with in-house software development expertise, ensures that scientific innovation and practical applicability are optimally integrated.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque
Professor of Business Analytics
christoph.laroque[at]whz.de

Niklas Nösel
Research Assistant and Ph.D. Student
niklas.noesel[at]whz.de

Adrian Rössl
Research Assistant
adrian.roessl.l41[at]whz.de