Lara Müller
Senior Consultant
ERNI Switzerland

Patrick Wilhelm
Principal Consultant
ERNI Switzerland

 

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts now agree that digital business models and solutions will be viewed differently than before. Whereas digital solutions were previously something special and the exceptions for many people, they have now inevitably reached the centre of society.

A good example is a contactless payment at the supermarket checkout. While the share of this payment method in German-speaking countries was only 35% a quarter of a year ago, it has now risen to over 50%. The same applies to the spread of home office work or streaming services.

In the business world, too, many retailers have switched to digital sales channels in order to save at least some of their revenues. Restaurants are switching to delivery services, with online ordering and cashless payment. And live events that reach the living room at home via streaming services not only dispel boredom among viewers in domestic isolation but also secure at least some income for the artists via online donation platforms.

Short-term solutions in the crisis do not replace a systematic approach

But even if the corona eruption is driving digital business solutions on a broad level, this spontaneous event does not replace a systematic and thought-out approach. After all, in the digital business transformation, a prior determination of location and objectives is the be-all and end-all before a company embarks on this sometimes uncertain path. In this case, ERNI’s Digital Maturity Fitness Check is the ideal travel companion.

Enterprises do not become successful in the digital world overnight – a transformation, i.e. a fundamental change, takes time. This makes a holistic approach that is adapted and tailored to the respective company all the more important. The comprehensive fitness check for the digital business allows an initial analysis of the current situation and from the results, concrete recommendations for action can be derived.

Five pillars of the Digital Maturity Fitness Check

The analysis is based on five pillars or fields of action. This begins with IT, extends to the market and value chain, corporate culture and leadership, and extends to existing digital activities. Above all, however, customer focus is the most important field.

For this reason, ERNI consultants use structured interviews to ask questions such as: “Do you already ensure a customer experience that is consistent in terms of content and designed in a channel-adequate manner on all digital and non-digital channels?” Or: “Can customer interactions take place via both classic and digital channels and do you personalize digital customer communication?”

In the area of the already existing digital activities, one of the questions asked is the significance of digital business in the overall strategy of the company. And when it comes to “Culture and Leadership”, for example, one is concerned with whether managers promote the development of digital innovations despite financial risks.

The goal is to be successful in a digital environment

The goal of this as-is analysis shows companies where they stand in terms of their digital maturity level and provides recommendations on how companies can continue their digital journey in order to stay successful in the digital age.

It would be counterproductive to try to impose a certain path on every company regarding digital transformation, using the same methods and means. Instead, a holistic approach is needed that takes up the existing situation and develops it further. Therefore, not all five pillars of the check are always equally important for each company.

Individual approach to each company

If a company, for example, has only ever sold its products from a stationary location, but now wants to improve its web presence and sell online, then customer focus and digital initiatives are more important in analysis and consulting than in other cases. And if a certain level of digital maturity already exists, but problems arise in developing this path further, corporate culture and leadership tend to come to the fore.

Experienced consultants always combine IT and industry knowledge to ensure that the recommendations for action are realistic and can be implemented within a specific timeframe. From the knowledge of best practices, it is easy to compare what level of digital maturity a company has and where there are still fields of action where change is necessary. It is never too late for corrections on the way to a digitally fit company – and constant change is the order of the day.

 

Contact us for more information.

We will gladly advise you. 

News from ERNI

In our newsroom, you find all our articles, blogs and series entries in one place.

  • 06.12.2023.
    Newsroom

    Streamlining software development: The journey from multiple to unified requirements management tools

    Productivity in software development is slowed down by managing specifications across various requirements management (RM) tools. Although moving to a single, updated RM tool involves an upfront investment, the long-term benefits are considerable. These include increased process efficiency, enhanced collaboration, superior traceability, improved software specification quality, cost reductions, scalability and better integration with other RM tools, among others.

  • 22.11.2023.
    Newsroom

    Recognising trends: An insight into regression analysis

    Data plays a very important role in every area of a company. When it comes to data, a distinction is made primarily between operational data and dispositive data. Operational data play an important role, especially in day-to-day business. However, they are not nearly as relevant as dispositive data. This is because these data are collected over a longer period of time and provide an initial insight into the history or the past.

  • 08.11.2023.
    Newsroom

    Why do we need digital transformation for medical devices?

    For hospitals, it is not up for discussion as to whether they want to digitalise. The increasing age of the population in western countries and the progressive shortage of medical professionals mean that without digitalisation, the healthcare system will not be able to provide the quality that patients want in the future.

  • 25.10.2023.
    Newsroom

    Mastering the challenges of mobile app testing: Strategies for efficient quality assurance

    Discover the unique challenges faced in testing mobile applications and learn how to overcome them effectively. From selecting suitable devices and operating systems to leveraging cloud-based test platforms, test automation and emulators, this article provides seven essential strategies for optimising your mobile app testing process.

  • 11.10.2023.
    Newsroom

    Incorporating classical requirements engineering methods in agile software development for a laboratory automation system

    Traditional agile methodologies can sometimes struggle to accommodate the complexity and regulatory requirements of laboratory automation systems, leading to misalignment with stakeholder needs, scope creep, and potential delays. The lack of comprehensive requirements documentation can result in ambiguous expectations and hinder effective communication among cross-functional teams.

  • 27.09.2023.
    Newsroom

    Unveiling the power of data: Part III – Navigating challenges and harnessing insights in data-driven projects

    Transforming an idea into a successful machine learning (ML)-based product involves navigating various challenges. In this final part of our series, we delve into two crucial aspects: ensuring 24/7 operation of the product and prioritising user experience (UX).

  • 13.09.2023.
    Newsroom

    Exploring Language Models: An overview of LLMs and their practical implementation

    Generative AI models have recently amazed with unprecedented outputs, such as hyper-realistic images, diverse music, coherent texts, and synthetic videos, sparking excitement. Despite this progress, addressing ethical and societal concerns is crucial for responsible and beneficial utilization, guarding against issues like misinformation and manipulation in this AI-powered creative era.

  • 01.09.2023.
    Newsroom

    Peter Zuber becomes the new Managing Director of ERNI Switzerland

    ERNI is setting an agenda for growth and innovation with the appointment of Peter Zuber as Managing Director of the Swiss business unit. With his previous experience and expertise, he will further expand the positioning of ERNI Switzerland, as a leading consulting firm for software development and digital innovation.