Practical experience in mechanical and plant engineering confirms that digital test simulation Software-in-the-Loop (SiLS) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiLS) optimize development processes and commissioning. Now the next step is to configure and virtually commission complete plants of a factory. Dr. Christian Daniel, Business Manager Simulation Technology at ISG Industrielle Steuerungstechnik GmbH, explains how this can be achieved and why new business models can be developed in this way.