Digitization and digitalization are interchangeable terms, right? Well, they are not! Although, they are closely related, as you can’t digitalize your business without using digitized information. Of course, because they are so similar it’s easy to get confused with these terms, and many people do!
However, to best serve the interests of your business, knowing the difference between digitalization and digitization is essential. The good news is you can find easy to understand definitions, as well as some of the most important benefits to both, below.
Discover the difference between digitalizing your business, and using digitized information.
Digitalization is a process
Let’s start with digitalization. While digitalization uses digitized data, something you can read about more in the section below, it is primarily concerned with converting your old analog business systems into digital ones.
There are many benefits associated with this transition for companies large and small alike. In particular, digitalization allows the automation of business processes. This means faster and more accurate completion of, and a reduction in the resources needed to complete, tasks.
Then there is the bonus that your employees are free from the most monotonous and repetitive tasks, and therefore can focus on areas where human interaction is of most value to the success of your business.
However, not all digitalization involved automation. Indeed, a great example of this is to switch from having in-person meetings, where attendees have to travel long distances, to using online video to host your meetings. This change is something that allows anyone from any location to attend, and it can save a business vast amounts of time and money.
Of course, if you plan to use this type of remote working regularly, then you will need a provider specializing in IT services in Midwest City, OK to help you set up your system. After all, security and ease of use matter, and you will need to ensure you have both before you make the transition.
Although, it is also worth bearing in mind that the digitalization of a business isn’t a one-and-done type of deal. Instead, as new technological developments occur, you can expect to regularly update and improve elements of your operations.
Digitization is all about data
Digitization is all about data. To put it simply, digitizing something is to take its original form and convert it into 0s and 1s, or binary code, the digital language used by computers.
What converting information into 0s and 1s means is that it can be stored and accessed on a computer or online. The main advantage of this being that search and retrieval are faster and important information can be preserved over much longer periods without taking up valuable physical space.
Common examples of digitization already in use include scanning images such as photos, plans, or blueprints so they can be saved and altered with the use of a computer.
Final Thoughts
Digitization and digitalization are closely related. After all, you can’t digitalize your business without using digitized data. You might even say that the process of digitalization has digitization at its center!
However, it is important to know the difference between the two concepts. This will ensure you are using the correct terms with IT specialists and colleagues so you can meet the digital needs of your business most effectively.