Methodology
How your result is calculated: by fixed rules that are the same for everyone.
Basis
The check follows the maturity approach of the acatech Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index and turns it into a simplified self-assessment for the Mittelstand. It covers six areas: four for digital foundations (data foundations, integration, processes & supply chain, governance) and two for AI and future readiness (AI & value creation, people & skills).
Scoring
Each answer option corresponds to one of four maturity stages: 1 Manual, 2 Digitised, 3 Connected, 4 Intelligent. An area's score is the average of your answers in it; overall maturity is the average of the six areas. Stage limits: below 1.75 Manual, below 2.5 Digitised, below 3.25 Connected, 3.25 and above Intelligent. If an area's core questions average below 2.0, a follow-up question refines the score (at most one per run).
Focus area
The six areas form two axes: digital foundations, and AI and future readiness. An axis counts as strong from 2.5, the middle of the scale. This gives four focus areas: Build the foundation, Strengthen the base, Put AI to work and Extend your lead. They describe the state of digitalisation and AI, not the performance of a company.
Peer group
You are compared with companies of the same sector and size band. Once a peer group has at least five anonymous answers, their average is used. Until then, provisional estimates serve as the starting point. Your result always states which basis was used.
Recommendation
The suggested next step follows fixed rules. If governance, security & compliance is below 1.75, IT security is suggested first, because it protects all further investment. Data foundations from 2.5 are considered solid enough for AI projects. Otherwise the suggestion follows the area with the largest distance to the peer group. If you are clearly above overall and clearly below in no area, the suggestion is to extend the lead in the area with the greatest potential and repeat the assessment in twelve months. Every suggestion states its basis. All suggestions are ideas; what you act on is entirely your decision.
Measures you can start right away
The four measures in your result are chosen from a catalogue by fixed rules: IT security first if governance is below 2.0, then two measures for your focus area, one for your sector and one for your company size. They are general recommendations, not individual advice.
Limits
The check is a self-assessment. It does not replace an on-site review or individual advice, but it gives a transparent orientation on where your company stands and where the biggest lever lies.