Digitization in the middle class: Where to start?

Digitization is no longer an option for the German middle class, but a need to remain competitive. But many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the question: where should we start?

The abundance of possibilities and technologies can be overwhelming. This article shows how the entry into digitalization in the middle class succeeds without losing itself in complex major projects.

Why start small is the right way

Short: The idea of digitalization triggers the image of expensive, long and risky mammoth projects in many decision-makers.

The idea of digitalization triggers the image of expensive, long and risky mammoth projects in many decision-makers. The good news is, it doesn't have to be.

The key to success is to proceed pragmatically and gradually. Instead of trying to digitize the entire company at once, it is more sensible to start with a concrete, manageable process.

This not only creates quick success experiences and motivates employees, but also minimizes the risk.

The advantages of a step-by-step approach:

• Slower investment: Instead of high pre-investment, costs can be distributed to several small projects.
• Fast results: First successes are quickly visible, which promotes acceptance in the company.
• Flexibility: The procedure can be adapted to new circumstances at any time.
• Learning effects: With every digitized process, know-how grows in the company.

The first steps: A roadmap for digitalization

Short: A structured roadmap helps to keep track of and set the right priorities.

A structured roadmap helps to keep track of and set the right priorities. The following five steps have proved successful in practice:

1. Occupation: Where is your company up to date? What processes are already running digitally, where are there media breaks and where is completely manual work? An honest analysis of the actual situation is the basis for all further steps.
2. ** Define targets:** What do you want to achieve with digitization? Are we about increasing efficiency, reducing costs, new business models or better customer retention? Clear objectives help to focus the measures.
3. **What technologies and know-how are needed to achieve the goals? Do employees need to be trained or recruited? Also clarify the financial framework and possible funding.
4. Setting priorities: Which processes have the greatest potential for fast and effective digitalization? Start with the "Quick Wins" to quickly achieve success.
5. ** Planning the implementation of the first projects. Connect the affected employees from the start to ensure acceptance.

Concrete application cases for entry

Short: Not every process is equally suitable for start-up.

Not every process is equally suitable for start-up. Especially well suited

References and further reading

Short: The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

The following independent references complement the topics in this article:

• Bitkom – German digital industry association
• German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• European Commission – Digital strategy
• MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
• W3C – World Wide Web Consortium

"Cloud-native only pays off when operations, security, and cost model match the architecture—otherwise you ship complexity faster."

— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions