The Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) has published the UNE Specification 0061: Industry 4.0 – Management System for Digitalization – Criteria for Evaluating Requirements. This document establishes the minimum requirements for a company to be considered a Digital Industry.
The 0061 Specification was developed within UNE with the participation and consensus of a group of experts from public administration, industry associations, large companies, and SMEs. It was promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism as part of its support for the digital transformation of Spanish industry.
Relationship to UNE 0060
UNE 0061 defines the conformity assessment procedure for the requirements of UNE Specification 0060:2018 – Industry 4.0 – Management System for Digitalization – Requirements. It also:
- Sets the duration of the continuous improvement cycle,
- Details criteria to evaluate compliance with UNE 0060, and
- Defines minimum compliance levels required to be considered a Digital Industry.
The 92 Requirements
The specification outlines 92 total requirements, divided into two categories:
- 61 mandatory: These are essential and must be fulfilled.
- 31 assessable: These are important but not applicable to all organizations, so compliance is not strictly required.
Key Highlights of the Specification
Among other things, UNE 0061 states that companies must:
- Regularly analyze the effectiveness of digitalization across their activities, processes, and products, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Implement technologies that support their digital transformation, such as:
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Cloud computing
- Big Data and real-time Data Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
Additionally, companies must:
- Prioritize customer experience, promoting direct and online communication.
- Ensure that staff have the right digital skills and profiles to support digital functions and processes.
Certification Levels
To achieve Digital Industry certification, organizations must:
- Meet 100% of the mandatory requirements by the third year (end of the full continuous improvement cycle).
- Comply with at least 60% of the assessable requirements.
To be recognized as an Excellent Digital Industry, companies must meet:
- 100% of the mandatory requirements, and
- At least 80% of the assessable requirements.
Aligned with ISO Standards
UNE 0060 and UNE 0061 are structured following the High-Level Structure (HLS), which is common to ISO management system standards. This facilitates integration with other standards.
Both specifications also adopt the PDCA cycle (Plan–Do–Check–Act), ensuring a structured approach to continuous improvement in digital transformation.