For the 2018 Global Digital Operations Study, we interviewed 1,155 manufacturing executives in 26 countries. We developed an index that ranks companies by digital operations maturity (or, in short, digital maturity). We grouped the companies into one of four categories: Digital Novices, Digital Followers, Digital Innovators, or Digital Champions. Based on the study data, we were able to assess what it takes to be a Digital Champion through the lens of four essential ecosystem layers: Customer Solutions, Operations, Technology, and People. We provide guidelines for companies seeking to mature into Digital Champions. The executives’ responses can be summarized into eight key findings: 1. Just 10 percent of global manufacturing companies are Digital Champions, while almost two-thirds have barely or not yet begun on the digital journey 2. Among global regions, Asia-Pacific (APAC) is leading the way to digitization 3. Digital Champions create value through integrated Customer Solutions ecosystems 4. Digital Champions serve customers by integrating Operations, Technology, and People ecosystems to serve customers with competitive, end-to-end solutions 5. Digital Champions implement new technologies to connect and collaborate along the end-to-end value chain. 6. Artificial intelligence is just kicking off, but will revolutionize the quality of operational decision making 7. Digitization will increase production in mature markets and customized manufacturing close to end-customer markets 8. People are at the center of digital transformation