A model-based approach to large-scale distributed system architecting is suggested, which is based on the use of dynamic digital twins. This approach can be considered as an integration of known paradigms, such as digital twins, evolutionary architecture and agile architecture. It can also be considered as one of the possible realizations of the digital thread paradigm. As part of this approach, a three-level digital thread reference architecture is suggested, which includes the following levels: (i) digital thread support level; (ii) agile architecture support level; (iii) digital shadow support level. This approach has been used in the development of a number of real systems, and has shown its effectiveness in supporting system agility at the exploitation and modernization stages. The proposed approach is focused on building digital twin-based systems. This article may be interesting for specialists engaged in research and development in the domain of IoT- and IIoT-based information systems, primarily architects.
Keywords: IoT systems architecting; digital dynamic threads; digital twins; model synthesis; multi-level relatively finite state automaton.