Blog 4.0

Digital strategy based on data, systems and people to grow by 2026

Written by Javier Alvarez Fernandez | Dec 30, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Digital strategy has become a critical pillar for industrial companies that want to remain competitive. However, in many organizations, digital transformation remains at the theoretical level.

Table of contents:

  1. What is an industrial digital strategy and why should it be executed in real systems?
  2. The most common mistakes in the execution of a digital strategy
  3. Technological keys to building a real digital strategy in 2026
  4. How to measure and scale a sustainable digital strategy
  5. How to prepare your digital strategy for 2026: practical checklist

 

By 2026, this gap between strategy and execution will be unsustainable. Companies that succeed in connecting data, technology and people will be the ones that achieve operational efficiency, business resilience and sustainable growth. In this article we explain how to build and execute a data-driven industrial digital strategy with a practical, technology-driven, results-oriented approach aligned with real plant, IT and operations challenges.

Beyond theory, technology execution

One of the mainchallenges of B2B digital strategy is that it is often approached from marketing or communication, leaving operational reality in the background. In complex industrial environments - automotive, food, pharmaceutical or textile - a digital strategy is only of value if it is executed in the systems that govern production, data and decision making.

This is where key concepts such as data architecture, integration between ERP, MES and OT/IT systems, process automation and advanced analytics come into play. Without these elements, there is no sustainable digital strategy, only isolated initiatives.

What is an industrial digital strategy, and why should it be executed in real systems?

Updated definition for complex B2B companies

In the industrial context, a digital strategy is the plan that aligns business objectives with the technology systems that enable the business to operate, measure and improve in real time. It is not just about digitising tasks, but enabling data-driven decision-making across the entire value chain.

From marketing strategy to operational and technology strategy

While many digital strategies focus only on channels, omnichannel or customer experience, in the industry, the focus should be on:

  • Digitisation of production processes
  • Integration of operational and business data
  • Intelligent automation
  • Real-time visibility and traceability

This is where solutions such as ERP RPS Next or MES/MOM INEXION become the core of the strategy, connecting plant, operations and management.

Generic digital strategy vs executable industrial digital strategy

The key difference is clear:

  • Generic: presentations, disconnected KPIs, isolated initiatives.
  • Industrial executable: integrated data, connected systems, automated decisions and continuous improvement.

Without technological execution, there is no real digital transformation.

The 4 most common mistakes in the execution of the digital strategy

Lack of data and systems integration (ERP and MES).

One of the most common mistakes is working with information silos. When ERP, MES and plant systems are not integrated, the digital strategy loses coherence and reliability.

2. Technical debt and legacy systems

Many industrial companies carry obsolete systems that limit technological scalability, automation and predictive analytics. This slows down digital innovation and drives up operating costs.

3. Digital culture without digital architecture

Digital culture is important, but without a solid data architecture, it cannot be sustained. Training and technology must go hand in hand.

4. Targets without real measurement and traceability

Defining digital KPIs without direct connection to production systems prevents measuring real impact on efficiency, quality or sustainability.

Technological keys to building a real digital strategy in 2026.

Data architecture and data governance

A sustainable digital strategy requires a data architecture that guarantees:

  • Informationquality and consistency
  • Informationsecurity
  • Real-time access for different profiles

This is especially critical in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals or food.

Process automation and advanced analytics

Digital process optimisation involves automating repetitive tasks and using data analytics and predictive analytics to anticipate incidents, optimise resources and reduce costs.

Connectivity between IT and OT: ERP, MES, SCADA

Integration between IT and OT is key to the smart factory. Solutions such as MES/MOM INEXION connect machines, people and business systems, enabling a complete view of operational performance.

Artificial intelligence applied to operational decisions

AI is no longer just marketing. In industry, it is applied to:

All this strengthens business resilience and operational efficiency.

How to measure and scale a sustainable digital strategy

  1. Digital KPIs connected to real systems: KPIs must be fed automatically from ERP and MES, not from spreadsheets. Only then do they reflect operational reality.
  2. Continuous improvement and intelligent automation: Digital strategy must evolve through continuous improvement cycles supported by real data, not perceptions.
  3. Security, resilience and technological scalability: In the face of SEO 2026 and industrial digitalisation, OT/IT cybersecurity and technological scalability will be differentiating factors.

How to prepare your digital strategy for 2026: practical checklist

  1. Digital diagnosis of current processes and systems: Assess your real digital maturity, not only technological.
  2. Redefine objectives based on real data and capabilities: Align the strategy with what systems can execute today and scale tomorrow.
  3. Prioritise technology integrations and automation: Start with the critical and most impactful processes.
  4. Build teams and align digital and operational culture: Technology without trained people does not generate value.

Want to see how this solution would work in your plant?

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