Digitization is the conversion of different types of data or information into binary codes. With the need for automation, intervention and support from machines increasing day by day, digitization is the means to achieve streamlined operating procedures that allow human-machine cooperation.
A simple example of digitization can be the transition from analog cassette tapes to digital compact discs. Cassettes hold data in reels of magnetized tape spooled together, while the data on CDs are etched using lasers in the binary form of pits (0) and flats (1). Digital data is more indexable, referenceable, replicable, accessible, and manageable. That is also the reason we can repeatedly access favorite tracks separately without having to buzz back and forth, winding, and unwinding the magnetic spool of a cassette tape.
In the manufacturing world, converting a unit of data such as a measurement from a manual or mechanical reading to electronic format is considered digitization.
The terms digitization and digitalization are often used synonymously but they do not mean the same thing. Digitization is the process of converting analog or non-digital data into its binary counterpart. Digitalization is the process of harvesting digitized data to effectively transform and improve business conduct. Digitalization can be used to identify and create fresher monetization avenues. In essence, digitization is the process that equips non-digital data for the process of digitalization.
For instance, a log register containing pages of data relevant to the history of equipment can only be effectively utilized for analysis when digitized.
Digitization is the first step towards digital transformation. By itself, it has several advantages, both inside and outside the IT world. A cabinet filing system filled with folders may have its utility in the workspace, but it certainly falls short in a number of other areas. Let us take a look at a few advantages of digitization:
