Blueprint for Digital Twins: How DEXPI Enables Structured, Interoperable Collaboration Across the Lifecycle
Dr Michael Wiedau, Chairman of the Board, Data Excellence Expert, DEXPI & Evonik
In this standards-driven and strategically focused session, Dr. Michael Wiedau, Chairman of the Board at DEXPI and Data Excellence Expert at Evonik, presented a compelling case for why open, interoperable data exchange is essential to unlocking the full potential of digital twins in the process industry.
Wiedau introduced the mission of DEXPI (Data Exchange in the Process Industry)—an industry-led initiative committed to developing a neutral, future-proof data specification that supports seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines, companies, and software platforms. The presentation addressed the fragmentation caused by incompatible P&ID formats and siloed tools, demonstrating how DEXPI provides a structured framework for exchanging data (not just documents) across the asset lifecycle.
Using real-world use cases, workflows, and integrations with major CAE vendors (including Aveva, Hexagon, Autodesk, and COMOS), Wiedau showed how DEXPI’s evolving specification is enabling consistent data handover—from EPCs to operators, from legacy systems to digital twins, and from design to operations. He also outlined the association’s growing ecosystem, governance structure, and plans for future initiatives such as DEXPI+ and PID AI Recognition.
The session underscored a key message: Digital twins are only as powerful as the data they rely on. To build trustworthy, scalable, and sustainable digital twin ecosystems, the industry must adopt shared standards and contribute to the development of open specifications like DEXPI.
Wiedau concluded by inviting stakeholders to participate in the upcoming “DEXPI Days” and contribute to shaping the digital foundation of tomorrow’s process industries—where interoperability, clarity, and collaboration are the norm.
