What is a maturity model and how does it work?

What is a maturity model and what are its benefits?

Maturity models are not only relevant for tomatoes, but also for companies. But let’s start with the tomatoes first. Imagine you have a garden and plant tomato seeds. After some time, the plants grow and bear fruit. But not all tomatoes are equally ripe. Some are still green, others are red and juicy. This is where the degree of maturity comes into play.

A maturity model is a method for evaluating the development status of  companies, processes, products, etc. Within the company, it helps to identify strengths and weaknesses and point out potential for improvement. Similar to tomatoes, there are different stages of maturity that a company can go through.

The benefit of a maturity model also lies in the fact that you can assess and prioritize more quickly. It helps you to better recognize your strengths and uncover your potential for improvement. 

In order for a maturity model to provide this benefit, it naturally requires an honest and well-founded data basis. Otherwise, as with everything else: nonsense in, nonsense out. 

How is our maturity model structured?

Our model is deliberately kept very simple. After all, this is not an academic exercise but a business success.

In our questionnaires you have 4 possible answers. We have translated these into 4 maturity levels. 

• “not applicable” = maturity level 1 (0% < 25%). 
• “rather inapplicable” = maturity level 2 (>= 25% < 50%
• “rather applicable” = maturity level 3 (>50% <= 75%)
• “applicable” = maturity level 4 (>=75%)

Let’s look at the extremes first:

• Maturity level 1 is not good. This can be an important potential that can significantly hinder your development. 
• Maturity level 4 is great. This can be a strength that really sets you apart from others.

You are good if you have maturity level 3. This often offers the best cost-benefit ratio. You should at least question everything below that.