Technological progress is a continuous process. Both communication and processes in the private and professional context have changed over the years and have even been automated in some cases. Companies are also benefiting from the achievements brought about by digital change.
Digitalization
Technological progress is a continuous process. Both communication and workflow processes in private and professional contexts have changed over the years and have even been automated in some cases. Companies are also benefiting from the achievements that the digital transformation has brought about.
Digitalization: Definition
If you're asking yourself the question, "What exactly is digitalization?", then there are actually two answers to this. Because on the one hand, the term refers to the general transformation from the analog to the digital - also called the digital revolution- and on the other hand, it is understood to mean the technological expansion of (processes in) companies, organizations and public authorities.
It is not possible to determine exactly when the digital transformation began. If the development and presentation of the first computer is taken as the beginning, then the digital age began in the early 1940s with Konrad Zuse's Z3. It was an important milestone of digitalization in Germanyand soon the entire world.
Digitalization: advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of digitalization
The digital transformation is associated with several benefits for society:
- More efficient communication These days, diverse, digital tools exist for private and professional exchange. In addition to instant messaging services such as WhatsApp, these include platforms used for chatting, holding video conferences and much more. The phone call via Microsoft Teams, for example, is very popular. In this way, fast, location-independent accessibility and the exchange of information are always available.
- Do-It-Yourself solutions Furthermore, nowadays there is a wide range of digital tools such as image editing programs and website builders. While carrying out some projects used to be difficult or even impossible, there are now many options open to non-professionals. The Internet is full of tutorials and tips that anyone can use to learn on their own.
- Less work thanks to AI Another achievement of digitalization is artificial intelligence (AI), which simplifies work processes or even takes over some of them entirely. For example, there are chatbots that are able to answer questions by taking answers from a database.
- Digital advertising Advertising opportunities have also multiplied in the digital age. With the help of social media platforms, display advertising and the like, it is possible for companies to present themselves and their offerings to a broad audience. In addition, the collection of certain customer data enables advertising to be individualized.
- Larger (service) offering Companies and individuals also have the opportunity to offer digital goods and services - from (informative) e-books and video consultations to software and tutorials.
Disadvantages of digitalization
Not everything that has changed through digitalization is positive:
- Cybercrime Although digitalization is significant and has opened up many new avenues, the change also offers new criminal points of attack. So-called cybercriminals are not afraid to spread viruses, steal data or use the Internet for fraud and extortion.
- Data loss Furthermore, data may not be saved and thus lost if, for example, a system failure occurs. For this reason, it is important to keep certain content in hard copy and regularly backups.
- Loss of privacy Digitalization has also made people's lives more transparent. Private information and opinions can be shared with the whole world in no time at all via a wide variety of end devices. It is important to be careful about what and how much you reveal about yourself via social media and other platforms.
Digitalization: examples of digital transformation
If you're looking for digital solutionsfor a business or as an individual to streamline your everyday life, here are some things to consider:
- Marketing automation e.g. in terms of newsletters
- Cloud Computing and Cloud Management
- Collaboration tools like Google Workspace and Co.
- Document Management Systems (DMS)
- Time management and organization tools
- etc.