Programme Dig.IT – Digital Transformation supports manufacturing enterprises and companies providing production services in implementing digital technologies. How can the programme’s assumptions be translated into a specific investment? Below, we present example projects, the breakdown of expenditure and the most important rules for structuring the budget.
Important: the solutions described below are examples of project concepts, not a catalogue of automatically approved expenditure. Eligibility always depends on the justification, the scope of the specific undertaking and the documentation of the relevant competition.
What should a digitalisation project in Dig.IT involve?
The starting point should be an identified operational problem: a lack of production data, manual order planning, limited product traceability, downtime or information scattered across departments. Only for a problem described in this way should a digital solution, its implementation method and measurable results be selected.
What matters in the programme is not the mere acquisition of a device or licence, but the actual implementation of digital technology in the enterprise’s operations. The project should show the change in the process before and after implementation and the link between the planned purchases and this effect.
Example projects worth analysing
1. Digital production management – MES system with ERP integration
The enterprise records order execution in spreadsheets and has no current data on workstation performance. The project may include implementing an MES system, integrating it with the ERP system in use, configuring the information flow and launching production reporting. The necessary operator terminals may be considered as supplementary expenditure.
Example result: shorter order reporting times, better monitoring of downtime and access to current data on production execution.
2. Machine data analysis and failure prediction
The company wants to reduce unplanned line stoppages. A possible concept involves implementing software for collecting and analysing data, integrating it with existing systems and using analytical models to identify irregularities. Sensors and communication devices require separate justification as elements necessary for implementing the digital technology.
Example result: faster detection of deviations in operating parameters and better planning of maintenance activities.
3. Quality control supported by artificial intelligence
In a manufacturing enterprise, part of the inspection is carried out visually. The project may involve developing or implementing a digital tool that analyses product images, connecting it with the reporting system and automatically recording non-conformities. Cameras or other devices may be considered only if they are a justified element of a comprehensive implementation.
Example result: standardised inspection and more accurate recording of the causes of non-conformities.
4. Digital traceability of materials and products
The company wants to establish from which batch of material a specific product was made and at which stages it was processed. The project may involve implementing a traceability system, linking warehouse data with production data and integrating with the applications in use. Code readers and labels are potential additional expenditure, if they are necessary and permitted in the documentation.
Example result: faster reconstruction of batch history and less manual work in recording material flows.
Mandatory and optional costs – how to structure the budget?
In the Dig.IT 2/2026 competition, the undertaking must be based on at least one mandatory activity: acquisition and implementation of an off-the-shelf digital technology or commissioning programming work leading to the development and implementation of a digital technology.
Optional expenditure may include training staff in the use of the technology being implemented, necessary fixed assets and materials and products needed for implementation. Their combined share may not exceed 40% of the project’s eligible costs. This means that the costs of mandatory activities should account for at least 60% of the eligible budget.
Example budget structure
- Software, integration and implementation of the digital technology: PLN 350,000 (70%).
- Necessary equipment and training related to implementation: PLN 150,000 (30%).
- Total example value of eligible costs: PLN 500,000.
- Potential funding amount at an intensity of 50%: PLN 250,000, subject to the other limits and the outcome of the project assessment.
This example is for illustration only. The competition is also subject to, among other things, a grant amount range of PLN 150,000 to PLN 850,000, a cap of 30% of average annual net sales revenue over the last three years and the de minimis aid rules. Payment is made by way of reimbursement, which requires planning the financing of the undertaking until the grant is settled.
Which purchases should not be treated as a stand-alone project?
It is risky to build an application around the mere purchase of machinery, computers, equipment or individual licences without showing what digital technology the enterprise will implement and which process it will improve. Such expenditure does not replace the mandatory technology component. Its possible eligibility must be assessed in the context of the entire project and the limit on optional expenditure.
What to prepare before you start writing the application?
- A description of the current process and the problems to be solved.
- The functional scope of the planned digital technology and how it will be integrated with the company.
- Measurable results of the implementation and how they will be verified.
- A breakdown of purchases into mandatory and optional activities, with justification.
- Quotations, cost estimates and schedule assumptions in line with the competition requirements.
- Verification of whether the company meets the programme conditions, including those relating to production activity, length of operation, financing and the available de minimis aid limit.
Note: the start of project implementation is subject to restrictions arising from the rules. Before signing a contract with a supplier or entering into binding commitments, check the permissible start date of the undertaking.
Where to check the current deadline and documentation of the Dig.IT call?
This article focuses on examples of projects and the way expenditure is planned. The current application deadline, participation criteria and rules of competition No 2/2026 are described in a separate article: Dig.IT 2026 – second call: deadline, conditions and funding amount.
The official documentation is also made available by Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A. (Industrial Development Agency) on the Dig.IT 2/2026 competition website. The conditions set out in the rules and annexes take precedence over the general examples presented in this article.
Support in planning a digitalisation project
DOTACJE ONLINE supports entrepreneurs in assessing the eligibility of undertakings, selecting the scope of investment, planning expenditure and preparing application documentation. If you are considering implementing a digital system in a manufacturing company, contact us and book a consultation.
Author: Dariusz Kozakiewicz
EU funding expert