A Method for Evaluating the Maturity Level of Production Process Automation in the Context of Digital Transformation—Polish Case Study

This paper puts forth a systematic approach for evaluating the maturity level of production process automation in the context of digital transformation for manufacturing companies. The method was developed to address the absence of a sector-specific framework for assessing automation maturity growth, in line with the Industry 5.0 guidelines (incorporating sustainability, the circular economy, and human-centeredness). The survey covers six core areas for manufacturing companies: automation, robotization of production processes, digitalization of warehouse processes, flexibility, intralogistics, and end-to-end integration of key data management processes. The study aimed to advance digitalization through improved process automation maturity. The study surveyed 200 small- and medium-sized businesses operating in Poland from 2022 to 2024. The study presents a method for assessing enterprise operational maturity, covering the current and planned levels and the development plans for the next three years.