Digitalisation

Digitalisation is one of the “buzzwords” that politicians and managers like to throw around. However, it is not an end in itself.

It concerns the transformation of analogue to digital information carriers and processes. Digitalisation is not a phenomenon of modern times; it has a long history. In the 21st century, the internet plays a central role in this.

Well-implemented digitalisation unlocks potential, opens new markets, simplifies procedures, and reduces the paperwork that authorities, businesses, and individuals grapple with daily.

Poorly implemented digitalisation is costly, provides no added value, and ultimately risks our data, our infrastructure, and our prosperity—or it turns participation in public life into a privilege for a select few.

We support companies in their digitalisation efforts with the perspective of an internet agency. Our world is that of clouds, databases, and web interfaces. We focus on conservative digitalisation, which protects what has proven effective and views redundancies (including analogue ones) as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Sounds interesting?

Our Approach

Conservative Digitalisation

We advise companies based on the concept of “Conservative Digitalisation.” In contrast to comprehensive or disruptive digitalisation, which often brings about radical changes in processes and structures, conservative digitalisation emphasises the integration of digital technologies without altering the fundamental principles and identity of a company or organisation.

Here are some characteristics of conservative digitalisation:

• Gradual Implementation: Conservative digitalisation relies on a gradual introduction of digital technologies. It avoids abrupt changes to ensure smooth integration and maintain stability.
• Preservation of Traditions and Values: This approach takes into account the traditional values and working methods of a company. Digital innovations are introduced in a way that respects and supports these values rather than displacing or altering them.
• Risk Mitigation and Stability: Conservative digitalisation aims to minimise risks and maintain stability. It focuses on leveraging the benefits of digital technologies without destabilising the organisation or taking excessive risks.
• Culture and People at the Centre: This approach strongly considers the corporate culture and the people working within the organisation. The integration of digital technologies occurs within a framework that promotes employee acceptance and support, rather than overwhelming or frightening them.
• Consideration of Regulatory Requirements: Conservative digitalisation incorporates regulatory requirements and compliance standards. It ensures that the introduction of digital innovations aligns with legal frameworks.

Impacts

Digitalisation in Business

Unforeseen effectiveness and worker uprisings, business ideas, and hacked pipelines: the impacts of digitalisation on the economy have always been profound and have far-reaching consequences for companies of all sizes.

From the Abacus to Space Travel

The History of Digitalisation

Many people think of digitalisation as a phenomenon of modern times. However, the history of digitalisation is a fascinating journey that begins long before the era of modern computers. From simple mechanical devices to cutting-edge information technologies, humanity has undertaken a long journey to convert and process data into digital formats.

The Pre-Computer Era

Before computers became prevalent, people used various mechanical aids to process and store data. Here are some key milestones:

• Abacus: One of the earliest calculating aids, used in ancient times. The abacus was a mechanical calculating instrument used for basic mathematical calculations.
• Slide Rule: Invented in the 17th century, the slide rule was another mechanical device used for multiplication, division, and other arithmetic operations.
• Jacquard Loom and Punch Cards: In the 18th century, Joseph Marie Jacquard developed a loom that could weave patterns into fabrics using punch cards. These punch cards contained information that the machine could read, laying the groundwork for the concept of digital coding.
• Morse Code: The development of Morse code in the 19th century was another milestone in digitalisation. By using dots and dashes, information could be transmitted over telegraph systems.

The Computer Era

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, mechanical calculating machines were developed that could perform complex calculations. For example, Charles Babbage designed an “Analytical Engine,” which can be considered a precursor to modern computers.

Further milestones in digitalisation during the computer age include:

• First Computers: The breakthrough came in the 1940s with the development of the first “modern” computers. In 1941, Zuse built the first functional, fully automatic, program-controlled, and freely programmable computer operating in binary floating-point arithmetic, thus creating the world’s first operational computer. The ENIAC, built during World War II, was the first electronic Turing-complete universal computer. It used vacuum tubes and was employed by the US Army to calculate ballistic tables.
• Transistors and Microchips: The invention of the transistor in the 1950s and later microchips enabled the development of smaller and more efficient computers. This advancement made computers accessible to a broader public.
• Personal Computers and the Internet: The first personal computers emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. The development of the internet in the 1990s then revolutionised global communication and data transmission.

The history of digitalisation is an evolutionary process that has led from simple mechanical aids to highly complex information systems. Each step in this development has contributed to changing the way data is stored, processed, and transmitted. From the humble beginnings of mechanical tools to today’s interconnected world, digitalisation has had a tremendous impact on our daily lives.

FAQ on Digitalisation