A Facade of Digital Serenity
According to the 2026 Konica Minolta Digital Serenity Barometer, 84% of SMEs claim to be confident about digital technology. However, only 25% have a formalized digital strategy. This gap highlights the importance of structured planning to effectively navigate the current digital landscape. (francenum.gouv.fr)
For context on the two most frequently cited projects: e-invoicing and process optimisation.
Challenges of Digital Transformation
SMEs and mid-sized companies face several challenges in their digital transformation:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): 53% of SMEs see AI as an opportunity, but only 26% actually use it. Moreover, 90% have not implemented any usage rules, fostering the development of shadow IT. (francenum.gouv.fr)
- Cybersecurity: 63% of SMEs have a cyber strategy, but 38% still do not, and 47% remain insufficiently informed about regulations. (francenum.gouv.fr)
- Regulatory Pressure: 56% of SMEs prioritize electronic invoicing, but their level of preparation remains limited. (francenum.gouv.fr)
Real-World Examples of SMEs
Two patterns come up in every project we take over. First: AI tools adopted department by department, with no shared rule — six months later nobody knows which data leaves the company. Second: cybersecurity handled after go-live, which is when every fix costs the most. In both cases the tool is not the problem: the missing piece is a decision made up front.
Key Considerations
- AI Governance: Establish clear rules for AI usage to prevent shadow IT.
- Cybersecurity: handle it during the project, not after go-live — every fix costs more once in production.
- Regulatory compliance: e-invoicing is the deadline that is already dated. See preparing your company for mandatory e-invoicing.
Where to start
- Write down what exists: tools in use, who owns them, which data they hold. Half a day of work, and usually the first time anyone has done it.
- Pick three priorities for the next twelve months — no more — and state explicitly what you will not do.
- Decide who arbitrates: a strategy without a named decision-maker is a wish list.
Our approach at D1 Consulting
We produce a twelve-month roadmap that fits on one page: priorities ranked by impact, the budget envelope attached to each, and the decision points. See our IT project management offer.
👉 Does your digital strategy fit on one page? Book a free 30-minute assessment: you leave with a 12-month roadmap, prioritised by impact.
