Digitization: meaning, definitions and examples

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digitization

 

[ ˌdɪdʒɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

technology

The process of converting information into a digital format.

Synonyms

digital transformation, digitalization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digitization

Used when referring to the process of converting information into a digital format, typically involving scanning documents or converting analog data into digital data.

  • The company completed the digitization of all their paper records.
  • Digitization of photographs helps in preserving memories.
digitalization

Used when referring to the process of using digital technologies to change a business model and provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities. It is often used synonymously with digital transformation but focuses on the adoption and impact of digital technology.

  • Digitalization of the manufacturing process has significantly reduced production time.
  • Corporate digitalization enables companies to offer more personalized services.
digital transformation

Used in a broader sense to describe the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.

  • The retail industry is undergoing a digital transformation to improve customer experience.
  • Digital transformation is key to staying competitive in the modern market.

Examples of usage

  • The digitization of medical records has made it easier for healthcare professionals to access patient information quickly.
  • The digitization of libraries has allowed for easier access to a vast amount of information online.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The process of converting physical records or objects into digital form for storage or processing.

Synonyms

digital conversion, scanning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digitization

Appropriate in a broad context of converting analog information to digital form, often used in technical or business settings.

  • The digitization of historical records has made them more accessible to researchers
  • Our company is investing heavily in digitization to improve efficiency
digital conversion

Commonly used when emphasizing the process of converting physical objects or analog data into digital format. Often heard in IT and media industries.

  • The digital conversion of old videotapes allows us to preserve and share them easily
  • We provide digital conversion services for your paper documents
scanning

Typically refers to the specific act of using a scanner to convert physical documents or images into digital format. Commonly used in office or everyday contexts.

  • Please scan these documents and email them to me
  • The library offers scanning services for old photographs

Examples of usage

  • The digitization of paperwork has streamlined our office processes.
  • The digitization of company archives has made historical documents more accessible.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The process of converting analog information into digital form.

Synonyms

digital transformation, digitalization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digitization

This term refers to the process of converting analog information into a digital format. It is often used in contexts where physical documents, images, or sounds are being scanned and converted into digital files.

  • The archive team is working on the digitization of all historical records.
  • Digitization of the old photos made them accessible online.
digital transformation

This phrase describes the broader shift of integrating digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers. Often used in the context of business strategy, involving significant changes to business processes and models.

  • The company's digital transformation strategy helped it to stay competitive in the market.
  • Digital transformation has revolutionized the way we interact with our customers.
digitalization

This term refers to the use of digital technologies to change a business model and provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities. It is more about the cultural and organizational shift to move towards digital business.

  • Digitalization of the manufacturing process helped reduce costs and increase efficiency.
  • The digitalization of services in healthcare improved patient outcomes.

Examples of usage

  • The digitization of music has changed the way we listen to and access songs.
  • The digitization of photographs has made it easier to store and share memories.

Translations

Translations of the word "digitization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 digitalização

🇮🇳 डिजिटलीकरण

🇩🇪 Digitalisierung

🇮🇩 digitalisasi

🇺🇦 оцифрування

🇵🇱 cyfryzacja

🇯🇵 デジタル化 (dejitaruka)

🇫🇷 numérisation

🇪🇸 digitalización

🇹🇷 dijitalleşme

🇰🇷 디지털화 (dijiteolhwa)

🇸🇦 الرقمنة

🇨🇿 digitalizace

🇸🇰 digitalizácia

🇨🇳 数字化 (shùzìhuà)

🇸🇮 digitalizacija

🇮🇸 stafræna

🇰🇿 цифрландыру

🇬🇪 ციფრულიზაცია (ts'iprulizatsia)

🇦🇿 rəqəmsallaşdırma

🇲🇽 digitalización

Etymology

The term 'digitization' originated in the mid-20th century, derived from the word 'digit' which refers to a numerical symbol or character. The concept of digitization became increasingly important with the rise of digital technology and the need to convert analog information into digital form for easier storage, processing, and access. Today, digitization plays a crucial role in various fields such as technology, business, and culture, transforming the way information is handled and shared.

See also: digit, digital, digitize, digitizing, digits.