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OPERI by INCIT
Operational Excellence Assessment

Know exactly where your factory stands — and what to fix first.

OPERI gives micro and small manufacturers a clear, data-driven picture of their operational maturity across 18 dimensions — so you can prioritise the improvements that actually move the needle. One-time fee. Capable of working offline. Results in hours.

Get Assessed →
Developed with Alvarez & Marsal Scientific Advisor: Prof. Dr David Romero, Tecnológico de Monterrey
50%
Of small businesses
close within 5 years
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
43%
Of mature SMBs face
profit stagnation
Orbis, A&M Analysis
18
Assessment dimensions
covering your full operation
8 KPIs
Key performance indicators
tracked per assessment
The OPERI Prioritisation Index

Three building blocks. One transformation journey.

OPERI is structured around three core building blocks that together form a complete, end-to-end path — from operational efficiency to digitalisation and sustainable growth. Each building block maps to specific pillars and dimensions assessed within the tool.

Building Block 01

Increase Productivity

Examines how manufacturers enhance operational efficiency through continuous improvement, lean practices, and data-driven decision-making. Covers the full flow from customer order management to production and delivery.

9 Dimensions

Building Block 02

Start Digitalisation

Focuses on building foundational digital capabilities and awareness within your organisation. Ensures manufacturers can effectively adopt and apply digital technologies to improve competitiveness and resilience.

3 Dimensions

Building Block 03

Accelerate Growth

Focuses on strengthening business fundamentals to pursue sustainable expansion. Examines financial performance, target cascading, eco-efficiency, innovation, and new market pathways to help manufacturers scale with confidence.

6 Dimensions

The Five Pressures Facing Manufacturing MSMEs - And What To Do First

The top 5 challenges facing manufacturing MSMEs globally

Small manufacturers face compounding systemic pressures. OPERI helps you diagnose exactly where you stand — and what to fix first.

Unstable Financial Performance

Lower margins vs large firms. Limited access to capital and financial planning tools leave MSMEs vulnerable to volatility.

High Material Costs

Constrained by limited bargaining power and reliance on a small pool of suppliers with little negotiating leverage.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Climate change and global events leave smaller firms more exposed, with fewer contingency options than large competitors.

Human Resource Challenges

Difficulty attracting skilled talent and providing adequate development programmes without dedicated HR resources.

Rapid Tech Adaptation

Keeping pace with digitalisation without dedicated IT resources or budget — while larger rivals invest heavily in automation.

The OPERI Process

From download to transformation roadmap in three steps.

Designed to be completed in a single session. Capable of working offline — ideal for factory floors and areas with limited connectivity. No assessor required to get started.

1
Step 1

Assess

~1–4 hours · capable of working offline

  • Download the OPERI app (iOS or Android)
  • Complete the self-assessment across all 18 operational dimensions
  • Answer structured questions at your own pace
  • Capable of working offline — ideal for factory floors and areas with limited connectivity
  • Available in multiple languages
2
Step 2

Analyse

Instant results upon completion

  • OPERI scores your maturity level 1–5 across all 18 dimensions
  • Measures 8 Key Performance Indicators across your operation
  • Highlights your strongest and most critical areas
  • Benchmarks against MSME peers in your sector
  • Visual dashboard — easy to read and share with your team
3
Step 3

Transform

Auto-generated immediately after assessment

  • Receive a prioritised transformation roadmap automatically
  • Recommendations ranked by impact and ease of implementation
  • Linked to INCIT's globally referenced improvement frameworks
  • Re-assess quarterly to track measurable progress over time
  • Optional: work with a Certified OPERI Assessor for guided delivery
Less than the cost of a single hour of assessor time — and you can get started right now.
18 Assessment Dimensions

A complete picture of your operation — nothing overlooked.

OPERI assesses every critical area of your manufacturing business across three building blocks — increasing productivity, starting digitalisation, and accelerating growth.

Operational Excellence Readiness Index
Increase Productivity
Approach
Workforce and Technology Interaction
Measure
123 Customer Order Management
456 Production Management
789 Inventory and Delivery Management
Start Digitalisation
Digital Literacy
10Digital Tools
11Data Insights
12Automation
Accelerate Growth
Progress
Increase
13Financial Performance
14Cascading Effective Targets
15Skill and Organisational Development
16Eco-efficiency
17Core Improvement Process and Product
18New Pathways to Success
3 Building Blocks · 6 Pillars · 18 Dimensions · hover any element to explore
The Maturity Scale

Six ascending levels — from undefined to world-class.

Every dimension is rated on the same six-level scale, so your progress is unambiguous and every step up is clearly defined and actionable.

Level 0

Undefined

No operational improvement activity. Capability is absent and undocumented.

Level 1

Ad Hoc

No defined processes. Activities are reactive and informal, driven by individuals rather than systems.

Level 2

Developing

Basic practices are in place. Some documentation exists but execution is inconsistent across the team.

Level 3

Defined

Standardised processes are documented and consistently followed. The team understands the "why" behind them.

Level 4

Managed

Data-driven decisions. Performance is actively tracked and improvement actions are targeted and measurable.

Level 5

Optimised

World-class. Continuous improvement is embedded in culture. The operation is proactive, agile, and future-ready.

← Beginning the journey Operational excellence →
What You Get from OPERI

Six tangible outputs — not a vague report.

Complete the OPERI assessment and walk away with six actionable outputs that give you a clear path from where you are to where you need to be.

Output 01

Your Maturity Score by Dimension

A score from 0–5 for each of the 18 dimensions — giving you an honest, granular picture of where your factory stands today.

Output 02

Your Prioritised Transformation Roadmap

A sequenced, auto-generated action plan linking the highest-impact improvements to your current baseline — no assessor required.

Output 03

Your EPIK Dashboard

Eight key performance indicators tracked and displayed across your full operation — giving you the numbers behind the score.

Output 04

Your MSME Peer Benchmarking

See how your scores compare to other manufacturers in your size band and industry — so you know what "good" actually looks like.

Output 05

Your Progress Tracking Over Time

Re-assess quarterly to measure real improvement. OPERI tracks every assessment so you can see exactly how far you've come.

Our Methodologies

Three frameworks. One rigorous assessment.

OPERI's assessment is underpinned by four interlocking frameworks co-developed with global manufacturing experts — giving every score scientific credibility.

LEAD

LEAD Framework

A four-step process to drive operational excellence: Learn your current state, Evaluate gaps, Act on priorities, Develop capabilities. Structures your transformation journey into four manageable phases so no critical area is overlooked.

Learn Evaluate Act Develop
TIER

TIER Framework

Classifies operational dimensions into tiers of priority based on your business size, industry, and maturity level. Ensures you address operational foundations before advanced digitalisation — preventing costly misdirected investment.

Size-adjusted priorities Industry-specific Maturity-aware
MATRIX

Assessment Matrix

A structured scoring grid covering all 18 dimensions. Maps your answers to maturity levels 1–5 and identifies specific improvement levers. Provides the data foundation for your auto-generated transformation roadmap.

18 dimensions Levels 0–5 Auto-roadmap
Who OPERI Is For

Designed for every stakeholder in the manufacturing ecosystem.

For Manufacturers

Unlock efficiency, embrace digitalisation, accelerate growth.

Whether you run a 5-person workshop or a 200-person factory, OPERI gives you the clarity to make the right improvements at the right time — without needing an assessor to get started.

Capable of Working Offline

Content is pre-loaded to the app, so assessments run uninterrupted even in areas with limited connectivity — perfect for factory floors, warehouses, and rural manufacturing sites.

Auto-Generated Roadmap

Receive a prioritised action plan immediately after completing the assessment — no assessor required to interpret results.

Track Real Progress Over Time

Re-assess regularly to measure the true impact of your improvements with 8 KPIs tracked across assessments.

Multiple Languages Supported

Available in multiple languages to support manufacturers and operators worldwide — wherever your operations are based.

One-Time Fee No Subscription Capable of Working Offline

Ready to transform your operations?

Download OPERI and get started today. No recurring charges. No assessor needed to start. Get your full assessment and roadmap in hours.

Get Assessed

Less than the cost of a single hour of assessor time

For Certified Assessors

Unlock new professional opportunities with OPERI.

Add OPERI to your consulting toolkit. Use a globally referenced assessment framework to deliver faster, data-driven engagements for your manufacturing clients — and expand into the underserved MSME market.

Structured Assessment Framework

Use OPERI's 18-dimension framework to conduct consistent, thorough assessments across all your MSME clients.

Two Pathways to Certification

Earn your Certified OPERI Assessor (COA) credential via the Fast Track — designed for existing INCIT-certified assessors — or the Aspiring Assessor Track for new candidates entering the profession.

New Revenue Streams

Offer OPERI-based assessment packages as a standalone or bundled with your existing consulting services.

Certified OPERI Assessor (COA)

Choose your path to certification

Fast Track

For existing Certified SIRI, COSIRI or AIMRI Assessors. Online, self-paced — approx. 6 hours of study, then a 50-question theory exam (1.5 hrs).

CSA / CCA / CAA holders Online · Self-paced
Aspiring Assessor Track

For new candidates with no prior INCIT certification. Complete online training, then pass both the theory and practical examinations to qualify.

Open to all candidates Theory + Practical exams

We respond within 2 business days

For Governments & Associations

Empower policy decisions with data-driven insights at scale.

Deploy OPERI across your manufacturing sector to build a national baseline, identify clusters of underperformance, and direct support programmes with precision — not guesswork.

National Sector Benchmarking

Aggregate anonymised assessment data to build sector-level readiness profiles and identify where support is most needed.

Evidence-Based Policy Design

Use real operational data to design targeted grants, training, and support programmes that address actual gaps — not assumed ones.

Multi-Language Deployment

Roll out in local languages to ensure inclusive participation across diverse regional manufacturing communities.

Government Programme

Deploy OPERI across your sector

Learn how INCIT works with governments and trade associations to deploy OPERI at national scale — and turn assessment data into policy action.

For Training & Certification Centres

Expand your reach. Add a globally recognised credential.

Integrate OPERI into your training curriculum or become an authorised OPERI certification centre — adding a globally referenced industrial transformation credential to your portfolio.

Become a Certified Training Centre

Partner with INCIT to deliver official OPERI assessor certification programmes in your region.

Curriculum Integration

Embed OPERI frameworks (LEAD, TIER, Assessment Matrix) into your industrial transformation courses.

Training Partner Programme

Become an authorised OPERI Training Centre

Apply to become an official INCIT Training & Certification Partner and expand your industrial transformation offering globally.

Developed With World-Leading Partners

Developed in collaboration with world-leading partners.

OPERI's methodologies were co-developed with globally recognised academic and professional partners — giving you confidence in the rigour behind every assessment.

DR
Prof. Dr David Romero
Scientific Advisor

Professor of Advanced Manufacturing at the Departments of Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics, Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico). Scientific Vice-chairman for the World Manufacturing Foundation. One of the world's foremost authorities on industrial transformation for MSMEs and the future of manufacturing.

Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Transformation
Alvarez & Marsal
Alvarez & Marsal
Strategic Partner

A leading global professional services firm dedicated to helping organisations tackle their most complex business challenges and deliver sustainable change. A&M contributed deep operational consulting expertise to the design of OPERI's assessment methodology, scoring framework, and the identification of the 18 critical MSME dimensions.

Global Consulting Operational Excellence
Download OPERI Today

Start your journey to operational excellence.

With a user-friendly interface and support for multiple languages, OPERI empowers you to assess your operational maturity, identify your critical gaps, and create actionable strategies for growth.

  • Assessment across all 18 operational dimensions
  • Auto-generated transformation roadmap
  • Capable of working offline — no internet required in low-connectivity areas
  • Track KPI improvements across multiple assessments
  • Available in multiple languages
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Scan to download OPERI on iOS or Android
Scan to open the OPERI download link on your device.
18
Dimensions assessed
Multi
Language support
8
KPIs tracked
Offline
No internet needed

Need guided delivery instead?

Ready to get assessed?

Find a Certified OPERI Assessor near you.

Official OPERI Assessments are conducted by independently certified assessors worldwide. Find one in your region and start your assessment.

Ask IC4IT