{"id":3254,"date":"2025-01-09T09:15:08","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T08:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.d-velop.com\/blog\/?p=3254"},"modified":"2025-10-17T10:27:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T08:27:08","slug":"what-is-digitalisation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.d-velop.com\/blog\/thinking-digitally\/what-is-digitalisation\/","title":{"rendered":"What is digitalisation? Opportunities and challenges for companies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Digitalisation has had a decisive impact on our lives in recent years and is now an indispensable part of the modern world. Nevertheless, attitudes are still very different. Around half of companies are struggling with digitalisation, while one in three see themselves in a strong position. These companies rely on digital solutions to optimise processes and remain competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, digital transformation is also influencing how we communicate, work and exchange information. While the benefits of digitalisation – such as increased efficiency, improved accessibility and new business opportunities – are clear to see, there are also challenges that need to be considered. In this article, we look at the basics of digitalisation and answer the question: \u2018What is digitalisation?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is digitalisation?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The term \u2018digitalisation\u2019 is not clearly defined. Depending on the context, it can take on several meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally, digitalisation refers to the conversion of analogue information into digital formats. The principle of converting analogue values into digital ones is by no means new. The introduction of Morse code in 1837 already falls into this category. Examples that are still relevant today are the telephone and e-mail as a replacement for personal or postal communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meaning of the term has changed over the years. Away from a rather neutral, technical process, towards a positively associated and future-oriented collective term that signifies modernisation in various areas of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Definition of digitalisation<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Digitalisation<\/strong> is the process of converting analogue information into digital formats. This allows data to be processed and stored electronically. It can also be communicated via digital systems. Digitalisation also includes the use of digital technologies in companies. The aim is to increase efficiency and create new business opportunities. It also aims to improve interaction with customers and partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, digitalisation facilitates access to information. It is also changing the way we live and work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Digitalisation and companies<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Digitalisation has far-reaching effects on companies of all sizes. It makes it possible to optimise and innovate business processes by using digital technologies. Management approaches such as quality management in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, process management<\/a> and technology management are closely linked to digitalisation projects. Companies are also developing digital service innovations and new business models. These changes are being driven both by the digital transformation within companies and by start-ups. A key challenge is to recognise new customer needs arising from the increasing spread of digital services and apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digitalisation affects several areas that are often associated with the term digital transformation. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Processes
    <\/strong>Companies are digitising and automating previously paper-based processes with the help of     document management<\/a> or contract management<\/a> and digital mail delivery<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Forms of work
    <\/strong>Replace traditional meetings with online meetings and introduce mobile access to company data and processes and make data-driven decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Customer interaction
    <\/strong>Digital channels such as social media and messenger services are used to improve communication with customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Products and services
    <\/strong>Companies offer digital add-ons to existing products, such as     digital signature software<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Business models
    <\/strong>New solutions based on digital technologies are developed to expand the product portfolio and increase customer benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, digitalisation aims to increase efficiency and optimise interaction with customers and partners. It is fundamentally changing how companies work and communicate with their customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Digitalisation vs. digital transformation<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Digital transformation is often equated with the term digitalisation, but it is not the same thing. Rather, digital transformation is a direct consequence of digitalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For companies, digitalisation is about optimising a process. For example, using document management systems to create added value and respond quickly to new customer requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"process\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Digital transformation renews the company<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Digital transformation is about using digital technologies to change processes, culture and the user experience in order to introduce new business models. If a company digitalises several aspects of its business activities, the result is a new company. In addition to greater cost efficiency, the company can offer a better user experience and faster services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Digital transformation aligns companies with the market and business requirements of the digital age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Advantages of digitalisation<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Digitalisation not only offers companies numerous advantages. Private individuals also benefit from well digitalised companies and societies. It ensures<\/p>\n\n\n\n