Digitization, Digitalization, Digital Transformation – What Do They Mean?
Digitalization, digitization, digital transformation – we very often confuse these terms and use them interchangeably. However, they have completely different meanings. What are they?
Digitization
Let's start with digitization. This word gained popularity in 2011 when the Ministry of Administration and Digitization was established, which aimed to modernize the country.
We talk about digitization when we mean universal access to fast Internet or the development of electronic services. An example? The ability to submit an application online, book an appointment at an office via the Internet, to a doctor or hairdresser, etc. Examples of digitization also include various applications and programs for communication with clients or for managing internal business processes.
Digitalization
Digitalization is an element of digitization. It is a series of activities whose final result is digitization.
And how does digitalization it happen? A typical process in an archive looks like this: document preparation, sorting, preservation, digital conversion (scanning, taking photos, or other solutions). Finally, making the already digital documents available to the user (in electronic form).
Digital transformation
So what is digital transformation?
Digital transformation concerns changes throughout the entire organization. It is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a company's activities and a cultural change, moving away from previous ways of working.
Digital transformation aims to:
- create a digital work environment,
- support the implementation of digitalization,
- improve efficiency,
- change employee attitudes,
- familiarize employees with new technologies,
- guide teams through the change process,
- introduce and consolidate the change.
The real challenge for digital transformation is engaging employees and customers in it. That is why it is so important (as much as possible) to carry out the change painlessly. To do this, it is worth introducing into the organization a so-called change maker – a person who not only understands new technologies well but can also infect others with their enthusiasm. Someone who can show employees the benefits of change, the advantages of digitalization, provide appropriate knowledge, and motivate them to learn new skills.
How do we do it at HAERGI?
As we already know, participant engagement is the main factor determining the success of implementing changes. We realize that no manager can do this work alone.
1. That is why we immediately establish a project team, which has the necessary substantive (HR) and technical (IT) knowledge, and we provide a coordinator, who supports the team during the work.
The team's task is to ensure the design of a realistic launch plan for individual product functions and support its implementation.
At every stage, the team must be sure that the planned changes bring real value to the organization.
2. The second stage of the change process is establishing a fast decision-making path and a dedicated person on the management board who will support the project team.
3. The third stage of the launch process is selecting regional coordinators who will change ambassadors and at a later stage of the launch will handle testing, coordinate communication from users to the project team (feedback), and actively participate in reviewing training materials and in the trainings themselves.
Once the above structures are established, the project team will decide which application functions and in what order will be launched. Based on this, it will prepare a plan proposal for the management board.
Therefore, the success of a successful and effective transformation mostly depends on the attitude and cooperation within the organization. It is worth seeking external help to ensure support. For this purpose, it is advisable to find individuals or external companies that will support the organization both in technical matters and in managing changes at all levels of the organization.
Do you want to carry out digitalization in the HR department, but are afraid? Be sure to read another article on our blog.
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