Digitalization 1.0

Digitalization 2.0

Digitalization 3.0

Digitalization 4.0

I-1) IT and Digitalization Vision

(1.0) No IT and Digitalization Vision.

(2.0) Temporary IT and Digitalization Vision.

(3.0) Provisional IT and Digitalization Vision.

(4.0) IT Vision is established. Digitalization Vision is established. Business and Technology Vision are established and coordinated. However, no mechanisms are installed to keep it coordinated.

I-2) IT and Digitalization Strategy

(1.0) No IT and Digitalization Strategy.

(2.0) Outdated IT and Digitalization Strategy.

(3.0) General management and IT management are discussing strategies and define ad hoc strategies for specific areas.

(4.0) General management and IT management are working together and systematically on an IT strategy and communicate these inside the company regularly.

I-3) New Technologies

(1.0) No organised process with regards to finding new technologies.

(2.0) Ad hoc process with regards to finding new technologies.

(3.0) New technologies and applicable areas are being examined in regular intervals.

(4.0) Technologies are systematically examined and developed with regards to possible competitive advantages.

I-4) Benchmarking

(1.0) No benchmarks are being performed.

(2.0) Some benchmarks are being performed.

(3.0) Occasional benchmarks are being performed externally in regular intervals.

(4.0) Systematic Benchmarking at fixed intervals.

I-5) Integration in Business Planning

(1.0) No formal business planning.

(2.0) Business planning without integration of IT and digitalization department.

(3.0) IT and digitalization department is informed about business planning.

(4.0) Integration of IT and digitalization department in business planning.

I-6) Product Development

(1.0) No new technologies are being incorporated in products.

(2.0) Initial tests in the company establish as to how new technology can be incorporated in existing products. However, these don’t take place regularly.

(3.0) Occasionally, but not systematically, new products are being tested with new technologies, internally as well as in the market.

(4.0) A systematic process closely linked to the search for new technologies ensures a continuous product development. Prototypes are developed and tested in the market on a regular basis.

II-1) Digital Competencies of Employees

(1.0) Less than 10% of the employees show basic digital competencies.

(2.0) At least 20% of the employees show basic digital competencies.

(3.0) At least 35% of the employees show basic digital competencies.

(4.0) At least 50% of the employees show basic digital competencies.

II-2) IT and Digitalization Knowledge

(1.0) The company has no employee with IT background employed.

(2.0) 2-3 employees have an IT background with software competencies..

(3.0) The company has a small department (5 to 10 employees) with IT and software competencies.

(4.0) Several employees with IT and software competencies are part of various departments throughout the company.

III-1) Organisation of Project Implementation

(1.0) IT employees work on projects alone.

(2.0) IT employees work on projects in teams.

(3.0) IT employees integrate business users during their work on projects.

(4.0) IT employees, key users and business users act as one whole team in projects.

III-2) Prioritising of Projects

(1.0) No prioritisation of systems and infrastructures.

(2.0) Focus on the management of internal systems.

(3.0) Focus is mainly on internal projects. However, systems related to clients and suppliers gain some importance.

(4.0) Prioritisation of client or supplier related systems and infrastructures.

III-3) Knowledge Management

(1.0) Knowledge is neither shared internally nor externally.

(2.0) Knowledge is being shared internally on an ad hoc basis.

(3.0) Knowledge is systematically gathered and shared within the IT department.

(4.0) Knowledge is systematically gathered and shared with the entire company.

III-4) IP Protection (e.g. brands, patents, copyrights)

(1.0) The company does not have IP (intellectual capital) protection. Digitalization projects are not being protected.

(2.0) Some IP are being protected on an ad hoc basis.

(3.0) IP is being evaluated and protected irregularly, but in specific intervals.

(4.0) A systematic process for the evaluation of digitalization initiatives with regards to IP exists. Protective measures are being implemented accordingly.

III-5) License and Rights Management for Content

(1.0) No rights and license management for content exists.

(2.0) Specific rights (e.g. image rights) are being evaluated before they are implemented.

(3.0) Regularly used content is being evaluated for the owner’s rights on a regular basis and corresponding measures are being implemented.

(4.0) A systematic process for the evaluation of used content and software within the company exists and corresponding measures are being implemented to ensure legal compliance.

III-6) Company Data Protection and Compliance

(1.0/2.0) Nothing/nobody is commissioned for the data protection within the company. The data protection is not particularly important.

(3.0/4.0) The company has a specially commissioned data protection officer and/or a department dedicated for the data protection within the company.

IV-1) Digitalization of Business Processes

(1.0) No initiatives for the expansion of digital processes within the company exist.

(2.0) Digitale Prozesse werden ad-hoc von der IT-Abteilung konzipiert und eingeführt.

(3.0) There are initiatives to design digital business processes. These are occasionally implemented by the IT department in collaboration with business users.

(4.0) The company searches systematically for potential in digital business processes. For these potentials, a digitalization solution is evaluated according to general benchmarks and then implemented.

IV-2) Client Processes

(1.0) Clients are not integrated in digital business processes.

(2.0) Isolated processes exist, where clients will be digitally integrated, e.g. the company website.

(3.0) Standard client processes are digital and the client is fully integrated in these.

(4.0) There is a systematic process to design and further develop digital client processes. All-important client processes are processed digitally.

IV-3) Supplier Processes

(1.0) Suppliers are not integrated in digital business processes.

(2.0) Isolated processes exist, where suppliers will be digitally integrated, e.g. the company website.

(3.0) Standard supplier processes are digital and the supplier is fully integrated in these.

(4.0) There is a systematic process to design and further develop digital supplier processes. All-important supplier processes are processed digitally.

IV-4) Administrative Processes

(1.0) No digital administrative processes exist.

(2.0) Isolated digital administrative processes exist, e.g. releasing invoices via a SharePoint.

(3.0) A systematic process to digitalize administrative processes exists. All necessary administrative processes are already digitalized.

(4.0) Administrative processes are generally processed by automated algorithms. Input takes place via digital systems and/or via digitalization, e.g. automated recording of incoming invoices.

IV-5) ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

(1.0) No continuous coverage of business processes in the company.

(2.0) Parts of the business processes are covered by the ERP system.

(3.0) The business process is completely covered by an ERP system, from the incoming order/contract to the delivery/service all data are digitally recorded.

(4.0) The business process is fully covered by an ERP system, from the incoming order/contract to the delivery/service all data are digitally recorded. Additionally, clients and suppliers are digitally incorporated in the system.

V-1) Basis of Performance Measurement

(1.0) No systematic recording of performance data.

(2.0) Commercial performance data are analysed and shared via Excel.

(3.0) Combination of Excel analysis and modern business intelligence systems.

(4.0) Systematic recording of performance data, which are displayed in various hierarchy level through modern business intelligence systems.

V-2) Data Warehouse

(1.0) No established data warehouse in the company.

(2.0) Parts of the ERP system are integrated in a data warehouse.

(3.0) All ERP systems are integrated in a data warehouse.

(4.0) Apart from the ERP systems, other performance data are integrated in the data warehouse. Such as social media data or weather data.

V-3) Real-Time Data

(1.0) No real time data available.

(2.0) Isolated real time data from the ERP system is available.

(3.0) Real time data from the ERP systems are available.

(4.0) Real time data from different data sources are available.

V-4) Analytics

(1.0) No predictive models are established in the company.

(2.0) Isolated predictive models are established based on Excel in the company.

(3.0) Isolated automated analytical models based on ERP data are established.

(4.0) Systematic, automated analytical process enables automated predictions.

VI-1) Email and Calendar

(1.0) No mobile access to communication applications such as email and calendar.

(2.0) Some employees have mobile access to communication applications such as email and calendar.

(3.0) Mobile access to communication applications such as email and calendar is ensured all over Europe.

(4.0) Mobile access to communication applications such as email and calendar is ensured worldwide.

VI-2) Audio and Web Conference

(1.0) No audio and web conferences available.

(2.0) Audio and web conferences are available. However, these are only used sporadically.

(3.0) Audio and web conferences are available. Employees share screens and information regularly via these instruments.

(4.0) Audio and web conferences are available. There is a systematic process with regards to the procedure of conferences.

VI-3) Video Conferences

(1.0) No video conferences are available.

(2.0) Video conferences are available via special equipment within the company.

(3.0) Video conferences are available. Employees can take part via PC or mobile phone.

(4.0) Video conferences are available Employees can take part via PC or mobile phone. There is a systematic process regarding the procedure of conferences.

VI-4.) Collaboration-Tools & Chat-Tools

(1.0) No collaboration tools such as Slack are used within the company.

(2.0) Some departments use collaboration tools.

(3.0) Collaboration tools are used within the entire company.

(4.0) Collaboration tools replace emails for internal requests.

VI-5) Mobile Working

(1.0) No mobile access to business data.

(2.0) Some employees have mobile access to business data.

(3.0) Employees throughout the entire company have access to business data.

(4.0) Employees throughout the entire company have access to business data and can modify these mobile.

VI-6.) Media Carrier

(1.0) Paper is the main media carrier in the company.

(2.0) Paper is digitalized and archived on an ad hoc and decentral basis.

(3.0) Certain departments have initiatives to digitalize paper.

(4.0) Throughout the company, paper is systematically digitalized and replaced by digital media carriers.

VI-7) Internet of Things (IoT)

(1.0) No machine or device are digitally connected.

(2.0) Isolated devices and machines are digitally connected.

(3.0) All machines within the company are digitally connected. Some devices are digitally connected.

(4.0) All machines within the company are digitally connected, can be digitally controlled and are systematically evaluated, and maintenance is being done based on the machine data. Wherever possible, devices are being connected, such as lights or shading systems.

VI-8) IoT Management

(1.0) No central management of IoT.

(2.0) Isolated machines and resulting data are managed.

(3.0) Decentral management, bundled according to the department or countries, of all connected machines and the resulting data.

(4.0) Central management of all connected machines and the resulting data.

VI-9) Application of RFID for internal business processes (product specific) such as shipping

(1.0-2.0) RFID is not being used.

(3.0-4.0) RFID is systematically used.

VI-10) Application of RFID for internal business processes (employee related) such as time stamps for employees

(1.0-2.0) RFID is not being used.

(3.0-4.0) RFID is systematically used.

VI-11) Integration of RFID in Products or Services

(1.0-2.0) RFID is not being used.

(3.0-4.0) RFID is systematically used.

VI-12) Providing a product platform to third parties

((1.0-2.0) No services or product platforms are provided to third parties.

(3.0-4.0) Services or product platforms are provided to third parties, such as a regional product platform.

VI-13) Usage of digital platforms of third parties

(1.0-2.0) No product platforms of third parties are being used.

(3.0-4.0) Product platforms of third parties are used.

VI-14.) Offering SaaS (Software -as-a-Service)

(1.0-2.0) No products related to SaaS are being offered.

(3.0-4.0) SaaS services were developed and are being offered.

VI-15) Use of Cloud Services

(1.0) No cloud services are offered (e.g. emails).

(2.0) Cloud services are partially offered.

(3.0) Cloud services are offered throughout the entire company.

(4.0) Cloud solutions are applied throughout the entire company and there are systematic searches for opportunities to replace on-premise services with cloud services.

VI-16) Free WLAN for Clients

(1.0) No free WLAN is offered to clients.

(2.0) Free WLAN is offered at the headquarters of the company. There is no separate client specific WLAN.

(3.0) Free WLAN is offered at the headquarters of the company. The WLAN for the company and for the clients are separated.

(4.0) Free WLAN is offered in the headquarters as well as all branches of the company. The WLAN for the company and for the clients are separated.

VI-17) Broadband Connection

(1.0) Only a narrow band connection exists (56-128 KBit/s).

(2.0) Per user a broadband connection of 4 MBit/s for downloads and 0,1 MBit/s for uploads exists.

(3.0) Per user a broadband connection of 8 MBit/s for downloads and 2 MBit/s for uploads exists.

(4.0) Per user a broadband connection of 30-100 MBit/s for downloads and 10-30 MBit/s for uploads exists.

VI-18) Secure Data Access

(1.0-2.0) No secure data access via VPN (Virtual Private Network) or in the WWW via Https (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is provided in this company. No firewall is being used.

(3.0-4.0) A secure data access is provided by this company via VPN (Virtual Private Network) and in the WWW via Https (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). The company uses a Firewall.

VI-19) Secure Data Retention & Backups

(1.0) The company does not back up their data. Data is being stored unencrypted and access is not restricted.

(2.0) The company does back up their data in irregular intervals. Data is being stored unencrypted and access is not restricted.

(3.0) The company does back up their data on a daily basis. Data is being stored unencrypted, however, access is partially restricted.

(4.0) The company does back up their data on a daily basis. These are being stored in various different locations. Data is being stored encrypted and access is restricted.

VII-1) Proportion of eCommerce in Sales

(1.0) No revenue is generated by eCommerce.

(2.0) The eCommerce proportion is up to 5%.

(3.0) The eCommerce proportion is up to 20%.

(4.0) The eCommerce proportion is higher than 20%.

VII-2) Website

(1.0) The company does not have a website.

(2.0) The company has a website without client interaction.

(3.0) The company has a website with contact forms.

(4.0) The company has a website with web forms and chat interaction functions.

VII-3) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & other optimisations for the website

(1.0) No SEO optimisation.

(2.0) Website is optimised by SEO through an external agency.

(3.0) Apart from SEO optimisation other important functions for the search engine optimisation are being considered, such as used https certificates.

(4.0) A systematic process for the continuous optimisation of the website is being implemented.

VII-4) Mobile Website

(1.0-2.0) The company does not have a mobile or optimised mobile website.

(3.0-4.0) The company has a mobile and/or an optimised mobile website.

VII-5) Online Marketing

(1.0) The company does not conduct online marketing.

(2.0) The company does conduct selective online marketing, e.g. for the marketing of new products.

(3.0) Typical online marketing measures such as Google AdWords are being used on a regular basis. Remarketing campaigns are also implemented.

(4.0) A systematic process within the company analyses the success of online marketing runs and defines corresponding measures.

VII-6) E-Mail Marketing

(1.0) The company does not use email marketing.

(2.0) Email marketing is being used on an ad hoc basis, such as an ad hoc purchase of an email marketing list and shipping.

(3.0) Email marketing is being used regularly. An emailing list is continuously being developed.

(4.0) Personalised email marketing is implemented as an institutionalised process.

VII-7) WhatsApp Marketing

(1.0) No WhatsApp marketing is being used.

(2.0) WhatsApp marketing is being used on an ad hoc basis. No systematic development of a company database.

(3.0) WhatsApp marketing is being used regularly as marketing instrument. A company database is being developed.

(4.0) Personalised WhatsApp marketing is being used as institutionalised process.

VII-8) Social Networking

(1.0) The company does not have any accounts in social networks.

(2.0) The company does have accounts in selected networks. However, these are not systematically maintained.

(3.0) The company posts information from various different departments on an ad hoc basis.

(4.0) A systematic process provides content for social networking continuously.

VII-9) Online Shop

(1.0) The company does not use an online shop.

(2.0) The company does have an online shop with selected items.

(3.0) All items of the company are available in their online shop.

(4.0) A dedicated team is working on the development and maintenance of the online shop. All products are available in the online shop.

VII-10) Connection to Online Shop

(1.0) The online shop is not connected to the ERP.

(2.0) The online shop is not connected to the ERP. However, the online shop is being updated via a database (e.g. Excel)

(3.0) The online shop is connected to the ERP with a one-day delay.

(4.0) The online shop is fully connected to the ERP system.

VII-11) Configurations in the online shop & automatic product range preparation

(1.0) The company does not use any configuration for their website or online shop. There are no automated product range preparations.

(2.0) The company uses web forms, which enable product variations and create automated product offers.

(3.0) Configurations enable the adjustment of products and to create automated product offers.

(4.0) Configurations enable the adjustment of products and automated product offers are created.

VII-12) Digital Booking/Order Platforms

(1.0) The company does not use digital booking/order platforms.

(2.0) Some services of the company can be booked/ordered digitally. The bookings/orders are not integrated in the ERP system.

(3.0) All services of the company can be booked/ordered digitally. However, digital bookings/orders do not create an automated reservation or order.

(4.0) All services of the company can be booked/ordered digitally. Bookings/orders create an automated reservation or order.

VII-13) Customer Relationship Management

(1.0) The company does not centrally record client data.

(2.0) Client data is being centrally recorded, however, not in a specific customer data collection system (CRM).

(3.0) Client data is being centrally recorded in a CRM-System.

(4.0)(4.0) A specific team is responsible for the correct recording of client data and the overall maintenance of the CRM system.

VII-14) Central Recording of Business Data

(1.0) The company does not centrally record business data.

(2.0) The company centrally records business data, however, not in a specific system (CRM).

(3.0) The company centrally records business data in a CRM-System.

(4.0) A specific team is responsible for the correct recording of business data in a central CRM system.

VII-15) Integration of external information in CRM

(1.0) The company does not collect additional client data.

(2.0) The company does collect additional client data centrally on an ad hoc basis for research.

(3.0) The company collects additional client data systematically.

(4.0) Interfaces automatically collect additional client data.

VII-16) Extensions for the products by digital services, e.g. through the development of client specific applications (Apps)

(1.0) No digital extensions are being offered.

(2.0) Digital extensions for products are being developed on an ad hoc basis.

(3.0) Various different Apps are being developed regularly. However, a systematic process is not established.

(4.0) The company systematically evaluates for which products a digital extension would make sense and new Apps are being developed continuously.

VII-17) Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

(1.0-2.0) No Apps with augmented reality or virtual reality are being used or planned.

(3.0-4.0) Apps with augmented reality or virtual reality have already been developed or a development of such is planned.

VII-18) Digital Billing

(1.0) The company does not use digital billing.

(2.0) The company has looked into digital billing and has also tested some transactions via platforms.

(3.0) The company uses digital billing regularly via platforms.

(4.0) Digital billing is an integral part of the ERP system.