ARTICLE |
Once upon a time the barcode was a game-changer. It was patented in the 1950’s and got widely used a few decades later.
Today, scanning is accompanied by automation, voice recognition, RFID, robotics, video, and machine learning … The use of cutting-edge technology in logistics continues to be on the rise.
What are the differences between to digitize, digitalize or engage in a digital transformation? SiB Solutions’ Arianna Benigno, CPO, guides us:
1. DIGITIZATION
What it is: We talk of digitization every time we convert information into a digital item. This process is then a small step towards a more digital way of working. A very good example is the scanning of old documents into a picture which becomes then their digital representation.
It is called digitization since we are transforming analog signals (continue) into digital ones, where the information is either 0 or 1.
Why and when is it beneficial: Digitization can increase productivity, streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost efficiency. Digitization might require some changes to the processes as such. Most people involved could struggle a bit with the change, as this affects how they work on a daily base.
Digitization and SiB Solutions’ intelligent video services, an example: Our stand-alone intelligent video service for hubs, a low-tech site, often unmanned and located far off the main premises, is an example of digitization. We are making digital what is happening in those locations. The service can be implemented without WiFi.
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2. DIGITALIZATION
What it is: Digitalization can be described as “to use innovative digital technology to improve processes”. If we take the document above, it would be to digitalize instead of just digitize if we add the capability to utilize the document (search words within the text, for example).
Why and when is it beneficial: Digitalization gives you all the benefits with digitization – and more. Keep an open mind when inviting innovative technologies into your business; you will quickly discover new high potential processes, roles, and ways to collaborate. A digitalization effort does not go unnoticed for the people involved. It might affect only a limited number of people that will have to be involved in the change, but it might be also widespread.
Digitalization and SiB Solutions’ intelligent video services, an example: Have you ever tried to find out the root cause to a claim by asking the operator if they can recall a certain order? Well, if you have, you know that it is almost impossible to get one certain answer. Intelligent video analysis enables you to search and see what really caused a deviation. This is a hands-on example of digitalization.
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3. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
What it is: A transformation is a long-lasting, major change. Digital transformation can lead to, or come from, profound changes in customer needs and/or revolutionized business models. Where digitize and digitalization are about the technology, digital transformation focuses on the customer. Mobile payments, media streaming and modern electrified vehicles are three examples.
Why and when is it beneficial: The fourth industrial revolution is ongoing. Already many big corporations have both targets and budgets allocated for projects in this sphere. Your only choices are to join the revolution, or to stay behind. Guide your organization to level up your already digitalized and high performing operations by using cutting edge technology. Wisely lead your people through a change that will keep you ahead of the game.
Digital transformation and SiB Solutions’ intelligent video services, an example: We let artificial intelligence add multiple super-powers to our intelligent video services. One example is the ability to guide operators in real time. The service gently nudges the staff to flawless packing one order at a time, leaving dramatically less claims to solve at all. Combine this with all our services to let your organization embraces the change.
Thank you Arianna for sharing!
Arianna Benigno, CPO at SiB Solutions.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode
Published: October 1, 2021
