{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,18]],"date-time":"2025-12-18T14:29:32Z","timestamp":1766068172888,"version":"build-2065373602"},"reference-count":34,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"2","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,2,13]],"date-time":"2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1739404800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"name":"InovMineral-4.0\u2014Tecnologias Avan\u00e7adas e Software para os Recursos Minerais","award":["LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-046083"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-046083"]}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Systems"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Digital twin technology offers immersive and cost-effective solutions for workforce training, yet its practical implementation within SME training frameworks remains limited. This study develops and evaluates the Digital Twin Framework for Workforce Training (DT4WFT), addressing key challenges such as resource constraints and precision through tools like Siemens NX Mechatronic Concept Design (MCD) and StoneCUT@Line\u00ae. Employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative insights from managers, and quantitative analysis demonstrated the framework\u2019s potential to enhance operator performance, improve efficiency, and reduce lead times. However, the validation was based solely on managerial perceptions, as the framework has not yet been implemented in real-world settings. Statistical analysis confirmed strong correlations between the framework\u2019s perceived implementation and improved training outcomes, highlighting its scalability and adaptability. Future research should focus on practical implementation, cross-industry applications, and longitudinal studies to evaluate sustained impacts, ensuring the DT4WFT framework\u2019s broader relevance and effectiveness in workforce development.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/systems13020120","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,2,13]],"date-time":"2025-02-13T05:10:22Z","timestamp":1739423422000},"page":"120","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":3,"title":["Digital Twin Integration for Workforce Training: Transforming SMEs in the Ornamental Stone Industry"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Carlos E.","family":"Cremonini","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"ESTG-IPLeiria\u2014School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3334-4945","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Carlos","family":"Capela","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"ESTG-IPLeiria\u2014School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal"},{"name":"CEMMPRE\u2014Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, University of Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3746-3466","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Agostinho","family":"da Silva","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"ESTG-IPLeiria\u2014School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal"},{"name":"CISE\u2014Electromechatronic Systems Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilh\u00e3, Portugal"}]},{"given":"Marcelo C.","family":"Gaspar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"ESTG-IPLeiria\u2014School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal"},{"name":"ADAI-LAETA\u2014Industrial Aerodynamics Development Association, Coimbra University, 3030-289 Coimbra, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8185-8145","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Joel C.","family":"Vasco","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"ESTG-IPLeiria\u2014School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal"},{"name":"IPC\u2014Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimar\u00e3es, Portugal"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,2,13]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"30","DOI":"10.1007\/s12525-023-00653-4","article-title":"Configurations of digital platforms for manufacturing: An analysis of seven cases according to platform functions and types","volume":"33","author":"Stolwijk","year":"2023","journal-title":"Electron. 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