How to assess your company's digital maturity

The starting point for digital evolution

Digital maturity has become a determining factor for business competitiveness. In 2026, the real difference will lie in how technology is integrated into operations, supports decision-making, and contributes to team efficiency.

For many SMEs, the challenge is not a lack of technology, but the difficulty in understanding where the business stands and what the next step should be. Assessing digital maturity is therefore essential for making informed decisions and avoiding misaligned investments.

What digital maturity means in practice

A company's digital maturity is not measured by the number of tools used or the adoption of the latest technologies. It is measured by the ability to use technology consistently, in an integrated manner, and in line with business objectives. Digital maturity is a continuous process of evolution, adjusted to the reality and growth of each company.

A digitally mature company is one where systems communicate with each other, data is reliable and used on a daily basis, processes are defined, and technology supports both operational execution and management. Contrary to what happens when technology exists but functions in a fragmented manner, digital maturity is limited, even if the investment has been significant.

When the perception of digital maturity does not match reality

It is common to find companies that consider themselves to be at an advanced level of digital maturity simply because they use various technological tools. However, in practice, there are clear signs of digital immaturity.

Among the most frequent examples are CRMs used only as contact databases, data scattered across different systems and files, reports made manually despite the existence of digital platforms, or isolated automations that are not connected to each other. These situations create the perception of progress, but maintain structural inefficiencies.

Companies that believe they have already “done the essentials” tend to move on to more complex solutions, such as advanced automation or Artificial Intelligence tools, without having a solid foundation, which results in inconsistent results.

Essential criteria for assessing digital maturity

Assessing digital maturity involves looking at the company holistically. There are four fundamental criteria that help to understand a company's actual level of digital maturity.

The first is systems integration. It is important to understand whether the platforms used communicate with each other or whether there is constant duplication of information. When each team works with its own version of the data, digital maturity is limited.

The second criterion is data. Organized, centralized, and reliable data is essential to support decisions. If management does not trust the available figures or relies on manual consolidation, there is clear room for improvement.

The third criterion is processes. Poorly defined processes that are overly dependent on people or difficult to repeat are a sign of low maturity. On the other hand, clear, technology-supported processes enable automation and scalability.

Finally, it is important to assess the use of information in decision-making. More mature companies use data regularly to guide commercial, operational, and strategic decisions, rather than relying solely on experience or intuition.

Most common levels of digital maturity in SMEs

In Portuguese SMEs, it is possible to identify relatively clear patterns of digital maturity. However, none of these levels is intrinsically positive or negative, and the most important thing is to recognize the starting point in order to set realistic priorities.

At an initial level, technology exists in a fragmented form. Processes are mostly manual, data is scattered, and information is used reactively.

At an intermediate level, companies have already implemented systems appropriate to their operations, integrations exist, and automation is beginning to emerge.

However, inconsistencies in data and dependence on manual work persist. At a more advanced level, systems are integrated, data is treated as a strategic asset, processes are supported by automation, and technology effectively supports decision-making and execution.

Use the assessment to define the next steps

Assessing digital maturity only makes sense when this diagnosis is used to guide decisions.

Companies with low maturity should prioritize system integration and data organization before moving on to more complex solutions.

Companies at an intermediate level can focus on process automation and improving the use of information.

More mature companies are in a better position to apply AI tools consistently and with real impact.

The role of technology partners in digital evolution

The evolution of digital maturity rarely happens in isolation. Many companies benefit from technology consulting from companies with experience in developing technology solutions, systems integration, process automation, and data organization.

Companies specializing in the digital transformation of companies and businesses, such as InovaDigital, act as a link between technology and business, helping organizations assess their digital maturity, set priorities, and implement solutions tailored to their reality, with a focus on developing technological solutions that make sense in the specific context of each company.

Using specialized partners allows you to accelerate technological evolution, reduce risks, and ensure that technology is applied consistently and with a long-term vision.

Knowing where you are is essential to evolve

Assessing digital maturity is not about comparing companies, but about understanding limitations, identifying opportunities, and making more informed decisions.

In 2026, the best-prepared companies will be those that know their starting point, consistently work on their digital foundation, and evolve methodically. Digital maturity is not measured by the technology a company has, but by how that technology is used every day to improve operations, support decisions, and sustain growth.