Converting Manufacturing Companies into Data-Driven Enterprises: an Evaluation of the Transformation Model

Abstract

Several approaches can be found in the literature to describe the transformation of companies into data-driven enterprises. A comparative framework was set up to objectively evaluate such transformation models As an additional result, a new model was derived, in which six steps were finally included: Research and Preparation, Digital Maturity Level Assessment, Target Definition, Gap Analysis, Identifying Measures and Implementation. This paper concentrates on the validation of the proposed model by an expert panel. Through the responses of 20 experts, potential strengths and weaknesses were revealed and analyzed using statistical methods. In summary, the expert attitude towards the proposed model was supportive throughout all evaluation dimensions. Thus, this work provides executives of manufacturing companies with a roadmap to plan and to perform a transformation into a data-driven enterprise. A direction for further research would be an adaptation of the proposed general model to the specific needs of manufacturing companies.