Digitization is the process of converting anything that’s in a hard copy to a digital format. For example, converting paper copies of patient records into a digital format that a computer can process.
Digitization is the first step toward automation. Before we can automate information, it must be available and digestible to any automation technology.
Automation improves processes that existing technology already offers. It leverages devices or software. It accomplishes tasks without any human intervention by relying on rules written by business subject matter experts.
By performing tasks — such as automatically sending clients reminders and personalized discount codes — automation helps organizations stay competitive in the marketplace. Automation also frees up workers to focus on value-add activities.
Digitizing a business process converts a non-digital process into a digital format. Digitization shifts from a paper storage model to cloud-based data warehouses. It also reduces physical locations in favor of increasing online presence.
Take banks, for instance. Not long ago, customers had to go to a physical branch, stand in line, and interact with a teller to deposit a paper check. Digitizing these transactions has made banks far more efficient and customer-centric. Consumers prefer the convenience of serving themselves on their bank’s website or app.
Besides making business processes faster, digitization can also make them more precise. Pharmaceutical companies are a prime example. In pharma, digitization has:
On top of that, digitizing drug development processes has prepared life science companies for future automation.