{"id":25635,"date":"2026-03-03T22:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/digitization\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:43:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:43:26","slug":"digitization","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digitization\/","title":{"rendered":"Digitization"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"glossary-tldr\" style=\"background:#f0f1f3;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:12px;\">\n<strong>Key points at a glance:<\/strong> Digitalization refers to the conversion of analog information and processes into digital formats, as well as the introduction of digital technologies within the company. It is the first step and the foundation for the more far-reaching <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digital transformation<\/a> of business models and value creation.\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 does digitization mean?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ebenen\">The 3 levels of digitization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#bereiche\">Digitization in business areas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kmu\">Digitization in SMEs: Status and potential<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#technologien\">Important technologies and tools<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#schritte\">How to start your digitization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">Definition: What does digitization mean?<\/h2>\n<p>Digitization has two levels of meaning: In a narrower sense, it refers to the conversion of analog data into digital formats\u2014such as scanning documents or introducing electronic invoices. In a broader sense, digitization refers to the comprehensive use of digital technologies to optimize business processes, products, and customer interactions. <\/p>\n<p>Digitization differs from <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digital Transformation<\/a>: While digitization maps existing processes digitally, Digital Transformation fundamentally changes the value creation logic and creates new <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business models<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, digitization is often the necessary first step: Without digital data, networked systems, and automated processes, the basis for deeper transformation is missing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ebenen\">The 3 levels of digitization<\/h2>\n<h3>Level 1: Digitization of information<\/h3>\n<p>The foundation: Analog information is converted into digital formats. Paper files become databases, fax machines become email, card indexes become CRM systems. This level creates the data basis for everything else.  <\/p>\n<h3>Level 2: Digitization of processes<\/h3>\n<p>Existing business processes are optimized and partially automated through digital workflows. Examples: digital order processing, automated invoicing, digital project management. This results in efficiency gains and quality improvements.  <\/p>\n<h3>Level 3: Digitization of business models<\/h3>\n<p>At this level, digitization transitions into <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digital Transformation<\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digital business models<\/a> emerge, existing <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">revenue models<\/a> are digitally expanded, and the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">value chain<\/a> is reimagined.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bereiche\">Digitization in business areas<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sales &amp; Marketing:<\/strong> CRM systems, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-marketing-for-smes\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digital marketing<\/a>, social media, marketing automation, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/content-strategy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">content strategy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Customer Service:<\/strong> Self-service portals, chatbots, digital <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/customer-journey\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">customer journey<\/a>, omnichannel support<\/li>\n<li><strong>Production:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Industry 4.0<\/a>, IoT sensors, predictive maintenance, digital twins<\/li>\n<li><strong>Finance &amp; Controlling:<\/strong> Digital accounting, real-time reporting, automated invoice processing<\/li>\n<li><strong>HR &amp; Personnel:<\/strong> Digital recruiting, e-learning, remote work infrastructure<\/li>\n<li><strong>Management:<\/strong> Data-driven decision-making, digital dashboards, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-strategy-for-companies\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI-powered analytics<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"kmu\">Digitization in SMEs: Status and potential<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sme-digitization\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digitization of SMEs<\/a> in the DACH region has gained significant momentum in recent years, but major differences still exist:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Advanced:<\/strong> Basic digitization (email, accounting software, website) has reached most SMEs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Room for improvement:<\/strong> Process digitization (CRM, ERP, automated workflows) is still incomplete for many SMEs<\/li>\n<li><strong>Great potential:<\/strong> Digital business models, AI usage, and data-based services are still new territory for the majority<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The biggest levers for SMEs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Digitize customer interaction:<\/strong> Online appointment booking, digital quote creation, self-service portals<\/li>\n<li><strong>Automate sales processes:<\/strong> CRM system, lead scoring, digital follow-up<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digitize knowledge:<\/strong> Knowledge bases, digital process documentation, e-learning<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/ai-powered-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Use AI<\/a>:<\/strong> Generative AI for content, analysis, and automation\u2014delivering great effects even for small teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"technologien\">Important technologies and tools<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cloud solutions:<\/strong> Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, industry-specific cloud ERP systems<\/li>\n<li><strong>CRM systems:<\/strong> HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive\u2014central customer management platforms<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project and task management:<\/strong> Asana, Monday.com, Notion\u2014digital collaboration<\/li>\n<li><strong>Automation:<\/strong> Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), Microsoft Power Automate\u2014connecting processes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Generative AI:<\/strong> ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot\u2014productivity increases in all areas<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/glossar\/digitale-transformation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">No-code\/Low-code<\/a>:<\/strong> Custom digital solutions without programming knowledge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"schritte\">How to start your digitization<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-maturity\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Determine maturity level<\/a>:<\/strong> Where does your company stand today? Which processes are already digital, and which are not? <\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify pain points:<\/strong> Where are you losing time, money, or customers due to analog processes?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set priorities:<\/strong> Focus on 2-3 areas with the highest ROI<\/li>\n<li><strong>Implement quick wins:<\/strong> Start with quickly visible improvements (e.g., introducing a CRM, digitizing appointment booking)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Engage the team:<\/strong> Training and <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">change management<\/a> ensure acceptance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ensure data quality:<\/strong> Digitization is only as good as the data\u2014invest in clean data structures<\/li>\n<li><strong>Think ahead:<\/strong> Once the foundation is in place, examine the potential for <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">digital business models<\/a><\/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;\">Approach digitization strategically?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color:#f0f0f0;font-size:1.05em;\">We help you set the right digitization priorities and develop sustainable digital 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 digitalisation, simply explained?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Digitization means converting analog processes and information into digital formats and using digital technologies to optimize business operations. In the simplest case: instead of paper, you use software; instead of manual procedures, you use automated workflows. <\/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 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 optimizes existing processes using digital means\u2014the process remains essentially the same. Digital Transformation fundamentally changes value creation and creates new business models. Digitization is often the first step, while Digital Transformation is the strategic goal.  <\/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 SMEs start with digitalisation?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Start with the biggest pain points: where are you losing the most time or customers due to analog processes? Typical quick wins: introducing a CRM system, online appointment booking, digital invoicing, cloud-based collaboration. Important: start small, learn fast, then scale.  <\/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 funding programmes are available for digitalisation?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">There are numerous funding programs available in the DACH region: in Germany, for example, &#8220;Digital Jetzt,&#8221; go-digital, and BAFA consultancy funding; in Austria, the FFG programs and KMU.DIGITAL; and in Switzerland, Innosuisse. These programs often cover 30-80% of the costs for consulting and technology investments.   <\/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 is the typical ROI of digitalisation investments for SMEs?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">Studies show SMEs typically see 15-30% efficiency gains within the first year of targeted digitalisation investments, with payback periods of 18-36 months. The highest ROI usually comes from automating repetitive processes, implementing CRM systems, and digitalizing customer interactions. However, success depends heavily on proper change management and employee adoption \u2013 technology alone without process redesign and training rarely delivers expected returns.<\/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\/digital-transformation\/\">Digital 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\/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\/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\/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\/digital-maturity\/\">Digital maturity<\/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=\"\/glossar\/digitale-transformation\/\">No-code\/Low-code<\/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=\"\/glossar\/digitale-transformation\/\">Automation<\/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>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key points at a glance: Digitalization refers to the conversion of analog information and processes into digital formats, as well as the introduction of digital technologies within the company. It&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-25635","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\/25635","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=25635"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28299,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25635\/revisions\/28299"}],"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=25635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}