Digital transformation readiness assessment model for manufacturing industry

Purpose Digital transformation is one of the most continually advancing areas in both research and industrial applications. There is no doubt that the digital transformation process will be critical in the future survival of any manufacturing organisation, particularly during the current COVID-19 crisis. This paper aims to introduce a new readiness assessment model to measure the degree of readiness of manufacturing organisations to begin and develop their digital transformation processes. Design After studying the literature, seven interviews were held with manufacturing experts to build and validate the model. The data gathered from the interviews were used to develop a new readiness assessment model. The model uses two dimensions as assessment criteria namely, Business Competencies Dimension and Technology Competencies Dimension. Results The model introduces a nine-level scale which are Low Digitalisation, Technology Starter, Business Starter, Middle Digitalisation, Technology Adopter, Business Adopter, Business-Focused Transformation, Technology-Focused Transformation, and Digital Hero. Finally, three cases studies from different manufacturing sectors were assessed using the model. The results showed that the first case study was in the Middle Digitalisation level, the second case study was in the Technology Adopter level, and the third case study was in the Digital Hero level. Originality Digital Transformation processes are unique and different from one case to another. Helping manufacturing organisations assess their readiness for Digital Transformation processes from a strategic level will help them better understand their capabilities and draw their vision based on this assessment. This paper proposes a new readiness assessment model which can be used by manufacturers to know their readiness level to perform digital transformation operations