Ready to Start?
The following steps will help you to begin digitally transforming your company:
1.
Contact department/function heads and key stakeholders in the company:
- Present DTMA objectives.
- Request DTMA team-member candidates who can represent their departments/functions on digitization issues, opportunities, and concerns.
2.
Contact potential DTMA team(s) members:
- Present DTMA objectives.
- Request their participation in the DTMA.
- Direct them to DTMA Playbook materials to learn more about the improvement effort.
- Identify team-member requirements (e.g., understanding of digitization levels in department/function; availability for digital assessment, planning, and improvement activities)
- Offer multiple dates over a 2- to 3-week period for the DTMA to secure as many team members as possible.
3.
Confirm team members based on choice of dates; identify replacements for departments/functions not represented.
4.
Contact team members:
- Confirm their participation.
- Remind them to gather digitization needs/requirements within their departments.
- Request that team members come prepared to describe issues, opportunities, and concerns within their departments or functions — bringing with them department information (e.g., policies, work standards, performance metrics).
- Ask team members to review the DTMA Assessment and the DTMA Playbook materials.
5.
Secure meeting logistics for DTMA and identify any unique team-member requirements (e.g., accessibility, dietary restrictions):
- Meeting location
- Accommodations for out-of-towners (if applicable)
- Meals
- Videoconferencing capabilities (if virtual team members)
- Meeting materials (DTMA posters, whiteboard, etc.)
6.
Send reminder email to DTMA team.
7.
Identify any new issues with team-member participation and seek replacements if necessary.
8.
Print posters/flipcharts of DTMA questionnaire using the DTMA poster PDF (if applicable).
9.
Confirm all logistics details are as expected/contracted.
10.
Send a “Welcome” email to team members; provide specific logistics details and directions for the DTMA:
- In-person (e.g., location, room number, travel times)
- Virtual/remote (e.g., videoconference website, call-in numbers)
11.
Conduct the DTMA:
- Train team on the DTMA process; use the Facilitator Guide PPTX (30-60 minutes).
- Provide answers to the DTMA online questionnaire (1-3 hours); time will vary based on digital complexity of the organization and familiarity with topics in the DTMA questionnaire.
- Review DTMA output and identify weaknesses and constraints (2-4 hours); time will vary based on digital complexity of the organization and issues identified.
- Identify time and date for team to reconvene for Improvement Planning.
- Request that team members share DTMA output with departments/functions and other stakeholders, and that they enlist colleagues to join them for Improvement Planning.
- Direct team members to DTMA Toolbox support materials that may help them with Improvement Planning (e.g., DTMA Improvement Plan, DTMA Improvement Plan Instructions).
12.
Develop an improvement plan and undertake improvement actions.
13.
Schedule a repeat assessment.
If you would like more guidance regarding conducting an assessment and pursuing digital improvements, please contact an Ohio MEP.
Digital Transformation for Manufacturers Program
77 South High Street | Columbus, Ohio 43215
PHONE:
(614) 752-2587