{"id":25626,"date":"2026-03-03T22:27:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:27:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:43:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:43:17","slug":"digital-transformation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"glossary-tldr\" style=\"background:#f0f1f3;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:12px;\">\n<strong>Summary:<\/strong> Digital transformation describes the fundamental change of companies through the strategic use of digital technologies. It affects not only IT systems, but also transforms <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business models<\/a>, processes, customer relationships, and the entire corporate culture\u2014with the goal of securing long-term competitiveness and growth.\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"glossary-toc\" style=\"background:#f9f9f9;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;\">\n<strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#definition\">Definition: What is Digital Transformation?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#unterschied\">Digitalization vs. Digital Transformation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dimensionen\">The 4 Dimensions of Digital Transformation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#technologien\">Key Technologies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kmu\">Digital Transformation in SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#schritte\">How to Start Your Digital Transformation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">Definition: What is Digital Transformation?<\/h2>\n<p>Digital transformation refers to the profound process of change in which companies use digital technologies to fundamentally renew their value creation. It goes far beyond the mere <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digitization\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digitization<\/a> of existing processes and includes the redesign of <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business models<\/a>, customer relationships, and organizational structures. <\/p>\n<p>At its core, it&#8217;s not about technology, but about strategy: How can a company leverage digital opportunities to deliver better value to its customers, operate more efficiently, and unlock new growth areas?<\/p>\n<p>Digital transformation is not a one-time project with a clear beginning and end, but a continuous process of adaptation and renewal. Companies that actively shape this process secure their competitiveness \u2013 those who ignore it risk being overtaken by digital competitors. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"unterschied\">Digitalization vs. Digital Transformation<\/h2>\n<p>Although the terms are often used synonymously, there is a key difference:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digitization\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digitization<\/a>:<\/strong> The conversion of analog information and processes into digital formats. Example: Paper invoices become e-invoices, file folders become cloud storage. The process remains the same, the medium changes.  <\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital Transformation:<\/strong> The fundamental redesign of value creation through digital technologies. Example: A mechanical engineering company becomes a <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">platform provider<\/a> for predictive maintenance. The business model itself changes.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Digitization is often the first step, digital transformation is the overarching strategic goal. Both are important, but digital transformation has a significantly higher strategic impact. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dimensionen\">The 4 Dimensions of Digital Transformation<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Customer Experience<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/customer-journey\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">customer journey<\/a> is digitally optimized across all touchpoints: personalized offers, seamless omnichannel experiences, self-service portals, and data-driven customer engagement.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Business Model<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digital business models<\/a> complement or replace traditional approaches: <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">subscription models<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">platform business models<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">data-driven services<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">servitization<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Operational Excellence<\/h3>\n<p>Automation, AI-powered process optimization, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Industry 4.0<\/a> solutions, and digital workflows increase the efficiency, quality, and speed of internal value creation.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Organization and Culture<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/agile-methods\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Agile working methods<\/a>, digital collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and an <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-culture\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">innovation culture<\/a> form the foundation for sustainable transformation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"technologien\">Key Technologies<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Artificial Intelligence \/ Machine Learning:<\/strong> Automation, predictions, personalized customer engagement (<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-strategy-for-companies\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">\u2192 AI Strategy<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cloud Computing:<\/strong> Scalable infrastructure, SaaS solutions, location-independent work<\/li>\n<li><strong>Internet of Things (IoT):<\/strong> Connected devices, real-time data, predictive maintenance (<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">\u2192 Industry 4.0<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Big Data &amp; Analytics:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Data-driven decisions<\/a> and new revenue streams<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/glossar\/digitale-transformation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">No-Code\/Low-Code<\/a>:<\/strong> Fast digital solutions without deep programming knowledge<\/li>\n<li><strong>Generative AI:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-powered-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI-powered business models<\/a> and productivity enhancement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"kmu\">Digital Transformation in SMEs<\/h2>\n<p>For <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sme-digitization\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">SMEs and mid-sized companies<\/a>, digital transformation is both a challenge and an opportunity:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step-by-step instead of Big Bang:<\/strong> Start with quickly visible quick wins before tackling larger transformation projects.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-maturity\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Determine maturity level<\/a>:<\/strong> Honestly analyze your company&#8217;s digital standing \u2013 this prevents over- or under-challenging.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Customers first:<\/strong> Begin where digitization creates the greatest benefit for your customers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bring people along:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Change management<\/a> is at least as important as technology \u2013 invest in training and communication.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Utilize the ecosystem:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/glossar\/innovationsfoerderung\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Funding programs<\/a>, technology partners, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-consulting\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">consulting<\/a> help close competence gaps.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-strategy-for-companies\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Develop an AI strategy<\/a>:<\/strong> Generative AI offers enormous potential for SMEs too \u2013 from productivity increases to new services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"schritte\">How to Start Your Digital Transformation<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Develop a vision:<\/strong> Where should the digital journey lead? Define a clear target picture. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Analyze the status quo:<\/strong> Evaluate your <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-maturity\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digital maturity level<\/a> and identify areas for action.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set priorities:<\/strong> Focus on 2-3 areas of action with the highest customer benefit and business impact.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Implement quick wins:<\/strong> Start with quickly visible successes to build momentum and acceptance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build competencies:<\/strong> Train your team and build digital competencies at all levels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Question your business model:<\/strong> Examine whether <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digital business models<\/a> can complement or transform your existing offerings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Iterate and scale:<\/strong> Use <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/agile-methods\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">agile methods<\/a> to learn quickly and expand successful approaches.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"glossary-cta\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f,#2563eb);padding:32px;border-radius:12px;margin:32px 0;color:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-top:0;\">Ready to start your Digital Transformation?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color:#f0f0f0;font-size:1.05em;\">We support your company from digital positioning to the implementation of new business models.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-innovation-services\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#667eea;padding:14px 32px;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;margin-top:8px;transition:transform 0.2s;\">Discover Our Services \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"glossary-faq-accordion\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> What is the difference between digitalisation and digital transformation?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Digitization converts existing analog processes into digital ones \u2013 the process remains the same, only the medium changes. Digital transformation fundamentally changes value creation: business models, customer relationships, and organizational structures are rethought and redesigned through digital opportunities. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> How long does a digital transformation take?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Digital transformation is not a one-time project but a continuous process. Initial quick wins can be implemented within weeks, while profound changes take 2-5 years. The key is to start quickly and proceed iteratively, rather than waiting for the perfect plan.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> What are the costs of digital transformation for SMEs?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Costs vary greatly depending on the starting situation and ambition. For SMEs, meaningful first digitization steps start at a few thousand euros. More comprehensive transformation projects require \u20ac50,000-\u20ac500,000 over several years. Funding programs often cover 30-80% of the costs for consulting and technology.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> Where should a medium-sized company begin with its digital transformation?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Start where the greatest customer benefit or efficiency gain is possible. Typical entry points: digitizing the customer journey, automating recurring processes, introducing data-driven decisions, or developing digital supplementary services for existing products. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;padding:0;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\">\n<summary style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;list-style:none;\">What skills do employees need for successful digital transformation?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">Digital transformation requires both technical skills like data literacy and software proficiency, as well as soft skills like adaptability, continuous learning mindset, and cross-functional collaboration. Studies show that 70% of digital transformation initiatives fail due to resistance to change rather than technology issues. Investing in employee training and creating a culture of experimentation is often more critical than the technology itself.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Related Terms<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digitization\/\">Digitization<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\">Digital Business Models<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-transformation\/\">Business Model Transformation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-strategy-for-companies\/\">AI Strategy<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/\">Industry 4.0<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sme-digitization\/\">SME Digitization<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\">Change management<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/agile-methods\/\">Agile Methods<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\">Data-Driven Business Models<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-management\/\">Innovation Management<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Further reading<\/h2>\n<div style=\"margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/innovation-process-the-5-phases-of-successful-innovation-in-companies\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Innovation Process: 5 Phases for Successful Innovation<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-canvas-guide-examples-and-practical-tips-for-smes\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Business Model Canvas: Guide &amp; Examples for SMEs<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/digital-transformation-in-smes-a-guide-for-smes-in-the-dach-region\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digital Transformation for SMEs: A Guide<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary: Digital transformation describes the fundamental change of companies through the strategic use of digital technologies. It affects not only IT systems, but also transforms business models, processes, customer relationships,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24529,"parent":25140,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25626","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Point-of-New-Business-Model-Innovation-Benedikt-Hasibeder-scaled.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25626","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25626"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25626\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28289,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25626\/revisions\/28289"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25626"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}