About
DATUM gives manufacturing SMEs a smart and guided digital transformation journey. It helps companies assess their digital readiness, identify high-impact priorities and implement real solutions with expert guidance.
It connects people, processes and technology through one coordinated cross-border programme delivered jointly by IMR and AMIC. DATUM is largely publicly funded, with a small planning-stage contribution that secures dedicated expertise and supports progression into implementation.
The programme delivers real transformation through practical, hands-on support. Each stage adds tangible value - from readiness and strategy to funded implementation - with one contract, one NDA and clear technical and management oversight at every step.
WHY DATUM MATTERS
Manufacturers today face increasing pressure to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Most know they need to change, they just don’t always know where to start, what to prioritise or how to justify the investment.
DATUM removes that uncertainty by giving SMEs a clear path from understanding their digital maturity to implementing solutions that have measurable business impact.
It’s not consultancy. It’s not theory. It’s structured support backed by expert delivery.
WHAT MAKES DATUM DIFFERENT
- Clear pathway from assessment to implementation
- Internationally recognised methodology (SIRI)
- Expert partners who walk alongside businesses
- Cross-border collaboration with shared oversight
- Funded access that reduces financial risk for SMEs
- One contract, one NDA, one coordinated experience
THE DATUM JOURNEY
DATUM guides companies through three connected stages:
-
ASSESS
The Readiness Assessment ensures digital transformation is a right approach to address key business pain points and it can support your strategic objectives. SIRI assessment will then provide deep dive into strategic objectives, pain points and opportunities to collaboratively define "High Impact Focus Areas" for your digital transfromation prorgamme.
Eligible companies will complete a readiness for digital transformation assessment to discuss the needs of the company and alignment with the DATUM offering. If it is felt that DATUM is the right fit the company will be offered the opportunity then complete a Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) assessment managed by trained assessors.
Output:
Readiness insights and a clear view of digital maturity.
Time Commitment:
- An onsite visit to complete the readiness assessment (4.5hr hours)
- An onsite SIRI assessment (3 days)
- A debrief meeting in person or via Teams (1 hour)
- Hours of your time and weeks for delivery time
- PLAN
Develop a strategic roadmap that identifies your high impact priorities, the technologies that matter most to your operations and a business case for progressing into implementation. A readiness assessment will be completed as part of the onboarding process.
Output:
A detailed implementation plan for 1 transformation project supported by a business case
SMEs will be required to participate in the 30-day programme of activity to support the development of an implementation plan.
*Contribution
A €2,500 contribution at the planning stage unlocks development of detailed implementation plan and business case.
- TRANSFORM
Implement selected solutions through collaborative innovation with specialist technical partners. This stage delivers measurable improvements in performance, capability and competitiveness. Expert support moves from technical program support to technology specialist implementing transformative technology.
Output:
A fully delivered digital solution and an impact report developed within 100 days over 3-12 months .
- CONFIDENTIALITY
Companies sign one Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and one contract for the full journey, ensuring a simple, transparent and coordinated process from readiness to implementation.
WHERE DATUM OPERATES
DATUM is open to manufacturing SMEs across Northern Ireland and Ireland’s border counties - Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo.
The programme strengthens cross-border collaboration, sharing knowledge, insights and capability across the region.
THE DATUM DELIVERY TEAM
DATUM is delivered by expert teams from IMR and AMIC, combining deep industry experience with technical and strategic capability across:
- Digital maturity assessment (Smart Industry Readiness Index)
- Data, analytics and industrial insights
- Manufacturing operations and Industry 4.0 technologies
- Robotics, automation, connectivity and systems integration
- Digital transformation planning and technical roadmapping
- Programme management and impact reporting
“The best digital transformation plans start with the truth about your current capability—not someone else's vision of the future, DATUM will uncover that truth to set ambitious manufacturers on the right path” Graeme Ralph
Head of Digital Factory Group
"As I often say to Leaders that I meet, Digital transformation is not a technology initiative, it is a leadership decision to future proof your business, protect margins, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market". Gael Beaulieu
Senior Digital Transformation Advisor, IMR
HOW TO GET STARTED
Companies begin by submitting an Expression of Interest.
The DATUM team will arrange a 45-minute onboarding call to discuss eligibility, outline the pathway and confirm next steps. The deadline for the first priority group is 20th March 2026 with further opportunities to be released in due course.
Submit an Expression of Interest Form by 20th March 2026