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EXECUTION INDEX MATURITY ASSESSMENT
GOAL: Help determine key areas where small businesses are both thriving and barely surviving as it relates to execution of the products and services you provide. This survey provides both an Execution Index Score and an assessment of where your business is on the Execution Maturity Scale.
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INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer the questions below to the best of your ability. To save time, each answer is set to " 1 ", representing limited experience.
Do you collect data on key operations (e.g., production output, sales)?
WHERE:
1 = No data collection; decisions are based on guesswork.
2 = Collect some data informally, but not systematically.
3 = Collect data on key operations using simple tools like spreadsheets.
4 = Collect detailed data on all key operations, with some analysis.
5 = Collect comprehensive data, use advanced analytics for insights.
How often do you review data to identify trends or issues?
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WHERE:
1 = Never review data; trends and issues go unnoticed.
2 = Review data occasionally, but not regularly.
3 = Review data monthly to identify trends.
4 = Review data weekly, proactively addressing issues.
5 = Review data daily or in real-time, with automated alerts for issues.
Do you use simple tools (e.g., spreadsheets, dashboards) to track performance?
WHERE:
1 = No tools; performance tracking is informal.
2 = Use basic tools like spreadsheets, but not consistently.
3 = Use spreadsheets or simple dashboards for key metrics.
4 = Use integrated dashboards for real-time tracking.
5 = Use advanced BI tools for comprehensive performance tracking.
Are employees trained to use data for decision-making?
WHERE:
1 = No training; employees don’t use data.
2 = Some employees use data informally.
3 = Key employees are trained to use data.
4 = Most employees are trained and use data regularly.
5 = All employees are trained and make data-driven decisions consistently.
Digital Tools & Technology Adoption
24% Complete
Integrated digital tools streamline operations, cut errors, and scale growth, giving firms a competitive edge through automated, seamless collaboration.
Does your business use digital tools (e.g., software for inventory, scheduling, analysis)?
WHERE:
1 = No digital tools; all processes are manual.
2 = Use basic digital tools for some tasks.
3 = Use digital tools for key processes like inventory and scheduling.
4 = Use integrated digital tools across most functions.
5 = Fully utilizes digital tools for all processes, with seamless integration.
How often do you explore new technology to improve operations?
WHERE:
1 = Never explores new technology.
2 = Explores new technology occasionally, but rarely adopts.
3 = Regularly explores and adopts new technology when beneficial.
4 = Actively seeks and implements new technology to stay competitive.
5 = Is a leader in adopting cutting-edge technology.
Can employees easily access and use technology for daily tasks?
WHERE:
1 = Technology is unavailable or inaccessible to employees.
2 = Some employees have access, but it’s not user-friendly.
3 = Most employees have access to necessary technology.
4 = All employees have easy access to user-friendly technology.
5 = Technology is intuitive, with regular training and support.
Do you use cloud-based tools to collaborate or store data securely?
WHERE:
1 = No use of cloud tools; data is stored manually or locally without security.
2 = Uses some cloud tools, but security is not prioritized.
3 = Uses cloud tools for collaboration and data storage, with basic security.
4 = Uses secure cloud tools with encryption and regular backups.
5 = Leverages advanced cloud solutions with AI-driven security and scalability.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
36% Complete
"Digital transformation" is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change how a business operates, including its processes, culture, and customer experiences, to meet changing market and business requirements.
How often do you gather customer feedback to improve products or processes?
WHERE:
1 = Never gathers customer feedback.
2 = Gathers feedback occasionally, but rarely acts on it.
3 = Regularly gathers and uses customer feedback to make improvements.
4 = Actively seeks customer input and incorporates it into development cycles.
5 = Has a systematic approach to customer feedback, with rapid iteration based on input.
Do you allocate time or resources for experimenting with new ideas?
WHERE:
1 = No time or resources for experimentation.
2 = Experiments occasionally, but without dedicated resources.
3 = Allocates some time for innovation, but it’s not a priority.
4 = Dedicates regular time and budget for innovation projects.
5 = Has a structured innovation process with dedicated teams and resources.
How quickly can you adapt products based on market or customer needs?
WHERE:
1 = Unable to adapt; changes take over a year or don’t happen.
2 = Can adapt, but it takes several months.
3 = Can adapt within a few months, with some agility.
4 = Can adapt within weeks, responding swiftly to needs.
5 = Can adapt almost immediately, with real-time responsiveness.
To what degree has your organization or business adopted the use of Artificial Intelligence?
WHERE:
1 = AWARE: We know AI is important but are not formally pursuing AI / ML on any projects.
2 = ACTIVE: We've done a few prototypes but need to get them into production.
3 = OPERATIONAL: Our models are in production, but are struggling to realize full benefits.
4 = SYSTEMIC: AI is pervasive across our organization.
5 = TRANSFORMATIONAL: AI is part of our company DNA.
48% Complete
Engineering & Manufacturing Integration
Tight integration between engineering and manufacturing ensures product designs are producible, cost-effective, and delivered on time. It eliminates rework, shortens lead times, and aligns technical intent with execution capability.
Do design and production teams communicate regularly during projects?
WHERE:
1 = No communication; teams work in isolation.
2 = Communicate occasionally, but not systematically.
3 = Have regular meetings to align on projects.
4 = Communicate daily or as needed, with clear channels.
5 = Have real-time collaboration tools and processes.
Are designs tested for manufacturability before production begins?
WHERE:
1 = Designs are not tested; production often faces issues.
2 = Some testing is done, but it’s informal.
3 = Designs are reviewed for manufacturability before production.
4 = Designs are thoroughly tested with prototypes or simulations.
5 = Designs are optimized for manufacturability using advanced tools like digital twins.
How often are production issues caused by design errors?
WHERE:
1 = Production issues due to design errors are frequent (weekly).
2 = Occasional issues, but they happen monthly.
3 = Rare issues, happening a few times a year.
4 = Very rare, with less than one issue per year.
5 = No issues; design and production are perfectly aligned.
Do you use shared tools (e.g., CAD software, PLM) to align design and production?
WHERE:
1 = No shared tools; information is siloed.
2 = Use basic shared tools like email or shared drives.
3 = Use collaborative tools like shared CAD files.
4 = Use integrated PLM systems for design and production.
5 = Use advanced collaborative platforms with real-time updates.
Operational Excellence
59% Complete
Operational excellence creates a culture of accountability, clarity, and performance by establishing rhythms, goals, and alignment across teams. It is the backbone of execution discipline, translating strategy into day-to-day action.
Are business goals clearly defined and communicated to all employees?
WHERE:
1 = Goals are undefined or not communicated.
2 = Some goals are defined, but communication is poor.
3 = Goals are clearly defined and communicated to key personnel.
4 = Goals are communicated to all employees, with regular updates.
5 = Goals are cascaded throughout the organization, with individual contributions linked to goals.
Do you hold regular meetings to track progress toward goals?
WHERE:
1 = No meetings; progress is not tracked.
2 = Meetings are held occasionally, but not regularly.
3 = Hold weekly or monthly meetings to track progress.
4 = Hold regular meetings with clear agendas and action items.
5 = Have structured operating cadences with daily stand-ups and weekly reviews.
How consistently do employees meet their assigned responsibilities?
WHERE:
1 = Responsibilities are rarely met; accountability is weak.
2 = Some employees meet responsibilities, but it’s inconsistent.
3 = Most employees meet their responsibilities most of the time.
4 = Employees consistently meet responsibilities, with strong accountability.
5 = Employees exceed expectations, with a culture of high performance.
Do you use a simple system (e.g., scorecards, OKRs) to align goals with actions?
WHERE:
1 = No system; goals and actions are disconnected.
2 = Use informal methods to track goals.
3 = Use basic tools like spreadsheets to track progress.
4 = Use structured systems like scorecards or OKRs.
5 = Use advanced tools with real-time tracking and integration with other systems.
Process Efficiency & Optimization
70% Complete
Optimized processes reduce waste, improve quality, and increase speed—all critical for delivering value efficiently. Execution falters when processes are inconsistent or overly complex, making continuous improvement essential.
Are your core processes (e.g., design, production, order fulfillment, time and attendance, etc.) documented?
WHERE:
1 = No processes are documented; work is done ad-hoc.
2 = Some processes are documented, but not all.
3 = Core processes are documented, with clear steps.
4 = All processes are documented, with regular updates.
5 = Processes are documented and optimized using lean principles.
How often do you review processes to eliminate waste or inefficiencies?
WHERE:
1 = Never reviews processes; inefficiencies persist.
2 = Reviews processes occasionally, but without a structured approach.
3 = Reviews processes annually or when issues arise.
4 = Reviews processes quarterly, using data to identify improvements.
5 = Continuously reviews and optimizes processes, with a culture of kaizen.
Do you use visual tools (e.g., Kanban boards) to manage workflows?
WHERE:
1 = No visual tools; workflows are chaotic or unclear.
2 = Uses basic visual aids like whiteboards.
3 = Uses Kanban boards or similar for key processes.
4 = Uses visual management tools across all workflows.
5 = Has a comprehensive visual management system integrated with digital tools.
How effectively do you train employees on streamlined processes?
WHERE:
1 = No training; employees figure things out on their own.
2 = Informal training through on-the-job learning.
3 = Provides basic training when new processes are introduced.
4 = Has structured training programs for all employees.
5 = Continuous training and development, with regular refreshers.
Program Management Excellence
81% Complete
Strong program management aligns scope, schedule, and cost while proactively managing risks and requirements. It ensures that complex initiatives are delivered on time and with quality, maintaining customer trust and profitability.
How often are projects completed on time?
WHERE:
1 = Projects are rarely completed on time (less than 20% on time).
2 = Some projects are on time, but many are delayed (20-50%).
3 = Most projects are completed on time (50-80%).
4 = Nearly all projects are on time (80-99%).
5 = All projects are completed on time (100%).
Do you track project budgets to avoid cost overruns?
WHERE:
1 = No budget tracking; cost overruns are common.
2 = Tracks budgets informally, but overruns still occur.
3 = Tracks budgets using simple tools, with some overruns.
4 = Uses project management software to track budgets, minimizing overruns.
5 = Has strict budget controls, with no cost overruns.
How effectively do you identify and manage project risks?
WHERE:
1 = No risk management; risks often derail projects.
2 = Identifies risks informally, but management is weak.
3 = Has a basic risk management plan, with some mitigation strategies.
4 = Proactively identifies and manages risks throughout the project.
5 = Has a comprehensive risk management system, with contingency plans.
Are project outcomes (e.g., quality, customer satisfaction) consistently met?
WHERE:
1 = Outcomes are rarely met; quality and satisfaction suffer.
2 = Some outcomes are met, but consistency is lacking.
3 = Most projects meet outcomes, with some exceptions.
4 = Nearly all projects meet or exceed outcomes.
5 = All projects consistently meet or exceed quality and satisfaction metrics.
Final Questions
Please describe ONE THING related to execution that your organization / business is doing WELL.
Please describe ONE THING related to execution that your organization / business needs to WORK ON immediately.
How likely are you to recommend your business as a great place to work to a friend or colleague?
Not at all likely
Extremely likely
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