Interview with Nadia De Giovanni, Digital Consultant at AzzurroDigitale
A journey overseas, a challenging project, a shared vision of change. This is how Nadia, Digital Consultant at AzzurroDigitale, describes her recent experience in the United States, where – together with Elisa Mora, Head of Consulting – she led a Digital Assessment at a historic Italian company in the food sector.
“Last month I had the opportunity to travel to the United States to conduct a digital assessment at an American headquarters of a major Made in Italy food company. The goal was clear: to evaluate the level of digitalization of processes and identify areas to intervene in order to increase efficiency and control.”
The analysis highlighted some critical issues that many production companies have in common: still highly manual management, widespread use of paper supports and fragmented data, resulting in slowing down daily operations and increasing the risk of error. A situation that, according to Nadia, limits decision-making capacity and prevents having a complete and updated vision of the processes.
It is precisely in these contexts that Digital Assessment reveals all its value.
What is a Digital Assessment?
Digital Assessment represents the first strategic step in the digital transformation journey. It is a tool designed to help companies clarify their objectives, understand their processes and plan truly effective digitalization interventions.
The approach is structured in four main phases:
- Defining company objectives
Every innovation path starts from a strategic vision. For this reason, the first phase involves actively listening to the company’s needs, involving stakeholders to identify concrete and measurable objectives. - In-depth Process Analysis
Through a detailed mapping of the current state (AS IS) and the definition of the desired model (TO BE), the team identifies opportunities to introduce digital solutions that improve efficiency and reduce inefficiencies. - Change Management and Internal Communication
Technology alone is not enough. One of the most critical aspects is resistance to change, which can hinder even the best projects. This is why Digital Assessment pays great attention to involving people, promoting clear and transparent communication. - Identifying and prioritizing critical issues
Every organization has weaknesses, but not all have the same impact. The task of the Digital Change Agent is precisely to identify the most relevant critical issues and build a targeted and sustainable action plan.
United States vs. Italy: Really So Different?
During her experience in America, Nadia had the opportunity to deal with a different cultural and organizational context. Yet, the challenges that companies face in terms of digitalization seem to have many points in common:
“Even though the markets are different, the challenges are similar. In both cases, companies must address technological complexity, find the right skills and make wise investments. The real difference is the ability to have a clear and shared vision of the transformation path.”
Why always start with an assessment?
“In my opinion, starting with a Digital Assessment is absolutely essential. It allows you to clarify your objectives and really understand your business processes, before making any technological choices.”
An effective assessment provides a clear picture of the current situation, helps avoid disorganized investments and allows people to be immediately involved in the change processes. When those who work in the factory every day are listened to and made an active part of the transformation, engagement grows and the probability of success increases.
Advice for Italian companies: start with people
Many Italian companies, especially SMEs, recognize the urgency of innovating but do not know where to start. Nadia has clear ideas:
“My advice? Don’t start with technology, but with people. Digitalization only really works when it responds to the needs of those who work in the processes every day. Involving key figures right away is essential.”
And she adds:
“Relying on a Digital Assessment allows you to have a guide, a clear direction. And you don’t need to transform everything at once: it’s better to start with targeted projects, in strategic areas, that can generate rapid and tangible results. This gradual approach creates trust and paves the way for lasting change.”
Digitalization is not a point of arrival, but a continuous journey. It takes vision, pragmatism and, above all, the ability to listen and involve people. It is in this balance between strategy and humanity that the true success of every transformation is played out.
Do you want to know more about Digital Assessment or do you want to understand how it can be useful for your company? Write us!
