? Clarify the current situation and find the right positioning: get rid of vague perception, objectively understand the position of the enterprise in the digitalization process of the industry through structured evaluation, and identify the gap with the benchmark.
? Diagnose bottlenecks and focus on resources: Accurately identify technological shortcomings, management pain points, or capability gaps that hinder transformation, and avoid blind investment of resources.
? Plan the path and make scientific decisions: Based on the evaluation results, develop a transformation strategy that is in line with the actual situation of the enterprise, phased, and implementable, clarify priorities and investment directions.
? Quantitative effectiveness and continuous optimization: Establish a transformation baseline, track progress through periodic evaluations, measure input-output ratios, and drive dynamic adjustments and optimizations in the transformation process.
? Enhance confidence and build consensus: Objective evaluation results can help management and employees reach a consensus on the necessity and urgency of transformation, and improve overall participation

Professional evaluation needs to cover the core elements of digital transformation, forming a comprehensive and three-dimensional evaluation perspective. Mainstream frameworks typically include the following key dimensions:

1. Strategy&Leadership:
Do you have a clear digital vision and strategic goals that are deeply integrated with business strategy?
What is the commitment, understanding, and driving force of senior management towards transformation?
Have effective transformation governance structures and cross departmental collaboration mechanisms been established?

2. Technology&Infrastructure:
The coverage, integration, and modernization level of core business systems such as ERP, CRM, SCM, MES, etc.
The depth and breadth of application of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence (AI).
The resilience, security, and support capabilities of IT infrastructure such as networks, computing, and storage.
Ability in data collection, storage, governance, and basic analysis.

3. Process&Operations:
The degree of digitization and automation (such as RPA) of core business processes (R&D, production, procurement, sales, service, finance, etc.).
Ability to integrate online and offline (O2O) business.
The level of digital collaboration and visualization in the supply chain.
Ability to monitor, analyze, and optimize decisions based on data in operations.

4. Customer Experience:
The maturity of utilizing digital channels (websites, apps, social media, e-commerce platforms, etc.) for marketing, sales, and service.
Ability to integrate customer data and build a 360 degree view.
The application level of personalized recommendations, precision marketing, intelligent customer service, etc. to enhance customer experience.
Digital coverage and seamless experience of customer journey.

5. Organization&Talent:
Does the organizational structure support agility and collaboration? Is there a 'digital island'?
Employee digital skill level assessment and continuous training mechanism.
Attraction, cultivation, and retention strategies for digital talents (data analysis, software development, product managers, etc.).
Has a digital culture been established that encourages innovation and tolerates trial and error?

6. Data Driven&Innovation:
Is data considered a core asset? The completeness of the data governance system (quality, security, privacy).
Utilize data analysis (BI, predictive analytics) to support the breadth and depth of decision-making.
The ability to explore advanced technologies such as AI/ML for business innovation or efficiency improvement.
Sensitivity and experimental ability to market changes and new technologies.

7. Cybersecurity&Risk Management:
The popularity of information security awareness and strategies.
The completeness of protective measures for critical systems and data, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, encryption, backups, etc.
Compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR and China's Personal Information Protection Law.
Emergency plans and recovery capabilities for risks such as network attacks and data breaches

（I.） Rating method

The three dimensions of digital foundation, management, and effectiveness are graded using a scoring system. Specifically:
Digital foundation: involves collection items such as device digitization, device networking, information systems, and network security.
Digital management: including collection items such as planning and implementation, management mechanisms, and financial support.
Digital achievements: covering collection items such as green and low-carbon, product quality, and market performance.
Based on the scoring results of these collection items, the digitalization level of enterprises in these three dimensions will be classified into different levels.

（II.） Scene level determination
The level of digital management is determined through scenario level assessment. The dimension of digital management consists of 4 primary indicators and 16 secondary indicators, all of which are application scenarios for digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises, and are classified into different levels. Enterprises need to make judgments based on the number and level of actual application scenarios.

Evaluation result judgment
Based on the scores of digital foundation, management, and effectiveness evaluation, as well as the level of digital business application scenarios (which must meet both requirements), the digitalization level of small and medium-sized enterprises is divided into four levels: Level 1 (initial level), Level 2 (normative level), Level 3 (integrated level), and Level 4 (collaborative level). The specific criteria for judgment are as follows:

? Start with diagnosis, focus on action: evaluation is the starting point rather than the endpoint. It is essential to develop practical and feasible short-term and long-term action plans based on the results.
? Choose adaptation tools: There is no need to pursue the most complex and expensive evaluation solutions, choose evaluation frameworks and tools that match the size, industry, and current pain points of the enterprise.
? Internal and external integration: The objective perspective and rich experience of third-party professional consulting agencies can be utilized, combined with the business understanding of internal personnel, to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the evaluation.
? Continuous iteration: Digital transformation is a continuous journey. It is recommended to conduct a systematic review once a year or every two years to track progress and dynamically adjust strategies.
? Pay attention to "soft power": Do not overly focus on technology investment. "Soft power" such as organizational change, talent cultivation, and cultural shaping often determine the success or failure of transformation, and should be given sufficient attention in evaluation

Note: Some regions require a commitment letter (data authenticity) and a digital transformation plan (1-3 years).

（II. ）Core application requirements
1. Enterprise qualifications
Small and medium-sized enterprises legally registered within China (in accordance with the "Classification Standards for Small and Medium sized Enterprises").
Continuously operating for at least 2 years, with normal financial condition and no serious record of dishonesty.

2. Digital foundation
At least one digital system (such as ERP/CRM/MES/cloud services, etc.) has been implemented.
Having a full-time or part-time digital management team.

3. Industry attributes
Priority will be given to supporting enterprises in manufacturing, productive service industries, and local key industrial sectors.

（1） Self reporting
Enterprises can obtain evaluation results by voluntarily filling in relevant data and information based on their actual situation, and making a commitment to authenticity. This method is easy to operate and suitable for most small and medium-sized enterprises to have a preliminary understanding of their own digital level.

（2） Fill in the evaluation system
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has developed a specialized evaluation system (login) https://zjtx.miit.gov.cn The digital transformation section is available for free use by a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises. After the enterprise fills in the data through the system, the system will automatically calculate and analyze according to the "Evaluation Indicators for Digital Level of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (2024 Edition)", and generate a detailed evaluation report. The evaluation report will cover a detailed analysis of the enterprise's digital foundation, operations, management, effectiveness, and other dimensions, helping the enterprise to gain a deeper understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of its digital transformation.

（3） On site assessment
For pilot cities for digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises, the evaluation of their digital level needs to be conducted on-site according to the "Evaluation Indicators (2024 Edition)". On site assessment is usually conducted by a professional evaluation team, who will conduct in-depth on-site inspections of the enterprise, comprehensively evaluate the digital transformation level of the enterprise through interviews, research, data verification, and other methods.