A key objective of CompSTLar is to ensure that data generated throughout the lifecycle of advanced composite aerostructures can be connected, understood and reused. Since May 2026, Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. (ENG) has been leading the development of the project’s Digital Thread, a digital backbone designed to link design, manufacturing, quality and lifecycle information into a single, traceable flow of knowledge. The initiative aims to eliminate information silos across the aerospace supply chain and provide a continuously updated view of each component throughout its lifecycle.
The first phase of the work focuses on the definition and implementation of the core Digital Thread capabilities. This includes collaborative workflow design for manufacturing and lifecycle processes, secure file sharing, role-based access control (RBAC), security management and deployment on the SLICES research infrastructure. Particular attention is being devoted to the adoption of open and interoperable standards, including Asset Administration Shell (AAS), providing a common foundation for lifecycle data representation, interoperability and information exchange across the project ecosystem.
Building on these foundations, the Digital Thread will progressively evolve through several development stages. Future releases will introduce advanced interoperability, governance, provenance, lineage, auditing and workflow management functionalities, enabling secure and controlled exchange of lifecycle information among project partners.
The team is now working towards the first Digital Thread Proof of Concept, expected around Month 18, which will showcase initial capabilities for lifecycle traceability, collaborative workflows, secure data exchange and cross-domain data integration. The PoC will provide project partners with an operational environment to validate Digital Thread concepts, demonstrate end-to-end lifecycle visibility and assess how interoperable digital technologies can support the management of complex composite manufacturing processes.
Looking ahead, the topic will also be highlighted at the ATLAS Cluster workshop in Zaragoza, where ENG will share CompSTLar’s experience and vision on how Digital Threads can support interoperability, collaboration and sustainable innovation in aerospace manufacturing. During the event, ENG will present “Breaking Data Silos: How Can a Digital Thread Connect the Composite Value Chain?”, illustrating how data continuity, traceability and interoperability can help create more connected and sustainable aerospace manufacturing ecosystems.