The Digital Thread In The Real World: Multiple Partners, Multiple Tools, One Truth

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium — Washington DC 2026Austin Herrema · Istari DigitalAs the Department of Defense accelerates adoption of digital engineering and advanced manufacturing, the challenge is no longer defining the digital thread—it is executing it across a fragmented Defense Industrial Base (DIB). This session will explore a consortium-based approach to demonstrating an end-to-end digital thread spanning design, build, operations, and sustainment—executed within each partner’s native environment.Rather than forcing tool or data standardization, this effort enables participating organizations to use their own systems, data architectures, and processes while securely sharing only what is necessary to maintain a federated, authoritative source of truth. The result is a practical model for interoperability that reflects real-world constraints: multiple vendors, distributed ownership, and varying levels of digital maturity.LinksTalk page with full transcriptWatch the talk on YouTubeCite this talkSearch the full text of every recorded CDFAM presentation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.designforam.com