#TIL: Digitisation and Digitalisation- what is the difference anyway
By Sreelakshmi R.
Why do we see terms such as “digitisation” and “digitalisation” in the literature associated with Future of Work? Are they interchangeable? Let’s take a look.
Digitisation is the process of converting something from analogue to numeric (think binary system). This is the simplest process of all, given the advent of computer technology. For instance, scanning a restaurant bill is digitisation. It is just a conversion of the format for storage or recalling records. Information is now stored electronically and that makes it distinct from paper-based storage.
Digitalisation on the other hand, is leveraging the digitised data to improve business processes and economic outcomes. For instance, using the scanned restaurant bill to submit reimbursements in office, would be digitalisation. It has ostensibly made the process more efficient and digital. Some other definitions also include the impact that communication technology and digital media have on social interactions.
Digitalisation largely implies a positive impact and increased efficiency, as introduction of tech is intuitively understood to make things better overall. It also affects business processes and the way customers experience services. Finally, digitalisation is contingent on digitisation, but not vice-versa. This shows that the two terms signify distinct things and must be used with that awareness.
This brings us to the context of the discussion- the digitalisation of mobility. This entails the use of multiple technological interfaces to integrate data, to provide mobility more efficiently. We see many elements at play here: platform-based business models, aggregation technology, the comfort of point-to-point mobility and the promise of on-demand service, among others. On the whole, ridesharing exemplifies the phenomenon of digitalised mobility, which has radically changed the way we move.
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