Digital maturity: diagnosis and strategy

In the era of digitalization, demonstrating advanced digital maturity as a company is a necessity to remain competitive, strengthen the operational efficiency of teams and ensure the sustainability of one’s organization. But how can you objectively assess your level of digital maturity to build an appropriate strategy? WAYDEN gives you all its advice to measure and strengthen the digital maturity of your organization.

 

What is digital maturity?

Digital maturity refers to the degree to which digital technologies are integrated into each stratum of a company: its strategy, its culture, its organization, its tools, its internal processes, etc. It allows the company to be positioned on a maturity scale using both qualitative and quantitative indicators.

 

Why carry out a digital maturity diagnosis?

Carrying out a digital maturity diagnosis is particularly relevant before launching a digital transformation project. It makes it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organization in the digital field, to highlight areas for improvement, and to lay the foundations of an adapted, coherent strategy in line with the reality on the ground.

How to carry out a digital maturity diagnosis?

The purpose of this audit is to assess several key areas, including:

• The company’s digital strategy : Does the organization have a clear and engaging digital vision? What is the place of digital technology in the company’s strategic objectives? Are digital projects managed efficiently and integrated into the A continuous improvement approach ?
• Corporate culture : is management committed to digital transformation? ? What is the level of training, acculturation and adherence of employees to digitalization? Is there a Resistance to change ?
• Governance : Has digital governance been put in place? Is it effective?
• Information systems and technological tools : Are the tools modern and adapted to business needs? Are they used by the teams?
• Leveraging data : Does the company collect the data? Has data governance been put in place?
• …

 

In light of the results observed, it will then be necessary to assess the company’s positioning on the digital maturity scale.

It is divided into 5 progressive levels:

1. Initial : few digital uses, isolated initiatives, weak coordination…
2. Emerging : beginning of automation, first digital tools, pilot projects, etc.
3. Structured : digital strategy defined, unified tools, governance in place…
4. Advanced : integrated digital culture, data-driven, process optimization, etc.
5. Leader : innovative, agile, adaptable, digital pioneer…

 

Implementing a digital maturity strategy: the key steps

Once the positioning has been clarified, it will be necessary to put in place a coherent digital strategy, aimed at accelerating the level of digital integration within the company. This must go through several key steps:

1. Define the objectives of the digital strategy : any strategy must be based on SMART objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and defined in time). It will also be necessary to clarify what is the final vision behind the digital strategy: to improve productivity? Opening up to new markets? Strengthening competitiveness? Improve customer satisfaction?…  
2. Implement an action plan : it will then be necessary to define an action plan with key measures and corrective axes. These actions must be defined in time and be organised by degree of urgency, impact and priority. Several levers can be used to strengthen a company’s level of digital maturity: training and acculturating teams; modernize IT tools and infrastructure; Optimize and modernize business processes. improve the collection and use of data; Integrating digital into corporate culture ; Setting up digital governance… 
3. Train and onboard teams : the human element is often one of the main obstacles during a digital transformation project. To overcome resistance to change, it is therefore essential to train, acculturate and raise awareness among all employees of the challenges and benefits of this transformation.  
4. Integrating digital maturity into a continuous improvement approach : it is also fundamental to set up appropriate performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the impact of the actions carried out. These must be analysed regularly and subject to appropriate corrective actions. The strategy must also evolve according to new tools and the appearance of new technologies.

 

Calling on an interim manager for his digital maturity diagnosis: what are the advantages?

The digital maturity diagnosis can be carried out internally, using a self-assessment grid, or thanks to the intervention of an external consultant or an interim manager specialising in digital technology.

A highly qualified professional with a prestigious track record in strategic positions, the interim digital director carries out this entire diagnosis with transparency and impartiality. Immediately operational, it also guides the company on the actions to be taken to strengthen its level of digital maturity in a sustainable way. Thanks to Its multiple human and managerial qualities (leadership, active listening, empathy, interpersonal skills, etc.), it unites teams around a clear, engaging and stimulating vision and supports their skills development to ensure collective support for this digital transformation project.