Digitization

What is Digitization?

The process of digitization converts information into a digital format. Data in this format is organised into distinct bits that may be addressed individually, generally in groups of several bits known as bytes.

This is the binary data that can be processed by computers and many other computing devices, including digital cameras and digital hearing aids.

How is information Digitized?

One or more of the following procedures are frequently used when digitising information:

• Scanning: Utilizing a scanner to take a picture—which may be a text image—and turn it into an image file, like a bitmap.
  Character recognition using optical (OCR).
• OCR(Optical character recognition): To recognise each alphabetic letter or numeric digit in a text picture, an OCR computer looks for bright and dark regions. It then turns each character into an ASCII code.
• Recording: employing an analog-to-digital converter to convert a sound or picture that has been recorded on a recording media, such as magnetic tape or discs.
• Sampling: An analogue waveform’s amplitude, or signal intensity, is measured by sampling at regularly spaced time intervals, and the samples are then represented as numerical values for input as digital data.

The history of Digitization

With the introduction of PCs and the internet in the late 20th century, digitization became more widespread. Many diverse types of information, including text, photos, music, and video, might be converted into digital formats thanks to these technologies.

Digitization has transformed trade and communication and had a significant impact on almost every facet of contemporary life.

Examples of Digitization

Here are a few typical instances of information that can be digitised:

• Text, including books, articles, and contracts; pictures, including photographs, artwork, and medical images;
• Audio, including speeches, music, and interviews;
• Video, including films, television programmes, and webcam footage;
• Data, including sensor-derived numerical data, financial data, and meteorological data.

The benefits of Digitization

The benefits of digitisation are manifold. Digital data can be shared, retrieved, and saved with ease. In the modern corporate environment, where information needs to be rapidly and easily accessible by staff, clients, and partners, this is extremely crucial.

Digital data has the added benefit of being easier to modify than analogue data. This translates to easier data analysis and decision-making for enterprises.

Finally, by eliminating the need for paper documents and other analogue materials, digitalization may help firms save money.

Digitization use cases

Another reason a company could want to digitise is to make information more accessible and sharing.

To increase operational effectiveness, expand income sources, enhance the customer experience, and penetrate new markets.

A thorough grasp of the targeted business objectives is essential for a successful corporate digital transformation. An company may choose the appropriate digital partners and technology to support corporate digitization if it is aware of these objectives.

The disadvantages of Digitization

Additionally, there are several drawbacks to digitalization. Without the owner’s consent, digital information can be simply duplicated and spread. As a result, there are now issues with intellectual property theft and piracy.

Digital information may be quickly changed or removed, which is another drawback. Inaccuracies and misconceptions may come from this, particularly if the updated material is not clearly labelled or identifiable.

Last but not least, digitalization may result in a dependency on technology, which may be costly and challenging to maintain on a large scale. It’s challenging to retrieve lost data if a company’s digital systems collapse.

Digitization vs. Digital Transformation

Remember that digitization is just one facet of the digital transition.

The process of employing digital technology to develop new or enhanced corporate procedures, goods, and services is known as “digital transformation.” Information is transformed into a digital format through the process of digitization. Although it is a part of the digital transformation, it is not the same thing.

The strategic approach needed for digital transformation must take into account both the general objectives of the company and the unique requirements of both customers and workers.

It also needs leadership that is committed to change and that is prepared to spend money on new tools and procedures.