The Definitive Path to Digital
Mastering complex tasks requires confidence, clear structures and effective leadership. This is where our experience and our well-proven approaches set in. Learn more about our powerful roadmaps to run transformations at scale.
Structure your transformation and hedge against risks
A well-prepared approach is crucial for the success of a large-scale transformation initiative. Roadmaps enable alignment accross the business, provide clariy to stakeholders and mitigate risiks. They provide structure to digital transformation and ensure the effective implementation of often multi-year initiatives. The right foundation is of paramount importance. Well-designed roadmaps generate value as early as possible and embed changes within the organization.
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Our collaboration with clients is characterized by mutual trust, dedication, and passion. We firmly believe that transformational endeavors succeed when they are guided and embraced from within the business. That's why we deeply integrate into your organization and provide you and your teams with knowledge, resources, and technology to make it your story.
We ensure that a dedicated core team is with you from the very beginning. Our activities are as individual as your undertaking, ranging from defining future-proof digital strategies to delivering solid roll-outs. Always tailored to your current situation and your requirements. Together, we run Digital at Scale!
Dipl.-Inform. , MBA
Christian Hocken, MBA
Managing Partner
christian.hocken@onward.partners
+49 241 412522-10
Client Cases
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Development of an individual, Group-wide training program for managers on the digitization of manufacturing companies
The challenge was to build a group-wide internal education program with current, relevant topics on digital strategy…
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Creation of an Industrie 4.0 Roadmap for a production plant of a global manufacturer of coatings
The results were collected in a four-day on-site phase. The methodology of the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index was presented in a…
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Improving efficiency and flexibility by data-based decisions in one of the world's largest crop protection companies
Changeovers in production should be realized with shorter cycle times. The IT landscape was already standardized at the ERP level, but…
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Cross-site development of a digital roadmap for a global player in process industry
By looking at the Group's entire European value chain, we were able to take a holistic approach to digital transformation…
Build roadmaps that fit the unique needs of your business
Roadmaps, as essential tools for guiding digital transformation initiatives, must be aligned with the overarching corporate strategy and integrate with other organizational initiatives. Often, they need to strike a delicate balance between leveraging economies of scale across the business while maintaining the flexibility to address local needs. The vast array of possibilities requires careful prioritization, as the options at hand may seem endless. Ultimately, roadmaps must be realistic and tailored to the readiness and capabilities of the business .
At Onward, we rely on our proven Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index management framework to carry out roadmaps. The framework adheres to two guiding principles: Firstly, a phased approach based on maturity levels that reflect digital readiness and help to shape the transformation in a sustainable way. Secondly, a comprehensive 360-degree view of the organization's operations that considers multiple perspectives including digital technologies, people, organizational structures, and corporate DNA.
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We structure the transformation into six value-contributing stages.
Stage 1+2: Computerization and Connectivity
Introduction of information technologies and networking, as well as first agile working methods. Prerequisite for Industrie 4.0Stage 3: Visibility
Real-time data availability enables dashboarding and data-driven decision-making.Stage 4: Transparency
Understanding complex interrelationships, which are carried out through analyses based on the data generated. Accelerated decision-making and adaptation of processes.Stage 5+6: Predictability and Adaptability
Focus on proactive action for future situations as well as self-optimization of systems. Future events are predicted, appropriate responses to changing conditions are anticipated, and actions are taken autonomously. -
Embracing resources
At the core of our approach is the empowerment and development of people. We firmly believe in placing stakeholders at the center of our initiatives, granting them more responsibilities and opportunities to contribute. Equipping them with data-savviness and preparing them for the digital age are key aspects of our approach.Creating a Digital Thread
Seamlessly integrating information systems based on a modern architecture is a critical enabler for effective execution. By establishing cohesive and interconnected systems, we facilitate the flow of information across the organization, allowing for real-time insights and informed decision-making.Preparing Organizational Structures
We recognize the importance of modern organizational structures that promote speed and innovation throughout the entire value chain.Living a data-driven culture
We aim to foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation, emphasizing the strength of working together to drive success. Both lean and six sigma principles serve as a strong foundation of our believes and help creating a Digital DNA
Our proven management framework is part of the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index Study, which has been created in close cooperation between acatech - The German National Academy of Science and Engineering, Universities and Research Institutes, and the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Center at RWTH Aachen Campus.
Are you ready to run Digital at Scale?
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Standardized status-quo determination of processes and benchmarking through the use of an online platform
Structured roadmap development for your plants and aggregation at corporate level to scale solutions
Planning reliability through maturity-based approach, developed with acatech, leading research institutes, TÜV and innovative companies
Reduction of complexity with a plan individually tailored to the status quo
Structured schedule due to prioritization & coordination of technical and non-technical measures
Industry-specific know-how from our platform database with direct access to benchmarks
Cross-organizational communication culture through involvement of all stakeholders, processes, and technology
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approx. 8-week schedule with interviews & assessments on site
Next steps: Preparation and implementation of the roadmap by setting up a program management office.
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Target group: Transformation & digitalization managers / groups, who are responsible for multiple factories
Further participants: global stakeholders of the digitalization program (SteerCo of the program, COO, global engineering, global IT, global OpEx/Lean,…)
Request our two-day value workshop NOW →
Leverage a capable team to run Digital Transformation at scale
Senior managers use roadmaps to set priorities and gain clarity. But there is more to it than that. Roadmaps are powerful tools in the hands of experienced teams. They help deliver impactful solutions and align forces among process experts, industrial engineers, automation specialists, developers, and project managers. In client projects, we rely on roadmaps to leverage our effective transformation teams. With a global Transformation Office overseeing the complete undertaking, and regional teams operating close to the business, we enable every corner of the business to leverage centrally provided solutions while remaining flexible to implement local solutions.
Our roadmaps and our work for clients are based on powerful analyses and insights, provided by our Industrie 4.0 Maturity Platform. Find out in our client stories how we help to run transformations at scale.
NEW Whitepaper:
Failure can largely be attributed to an insufficient match of activities and the neglection of necessary cultural and organizational change. For a global roll-out, activities on plant and corporate level are to be coordinated and aligned to agile and continuous value creation. This paper reveals, how manufacturing companies are managing their individual path towards Industrie 4.0.