„Digitalization“ – what?
It can mean the digital transformation
and representation or implementation of information and communication or the digital modification of instruments, devices and vehicles as well as the digital revolution, also known as the third revolution, or the digital turnaround. The latter context is also called the "information age" and "computerization".
While in the 20th century information technology (IT) was mainly used for automation and optimisation, private households and workplaces were modernised, computer networks were created and software products, e.g. ERP systems, were introduced, disruptive technologies
and innovative business models
as well as flexibilisation and individualisation in digitalisation have been in the foreground since the beginning of the 21st century. This has taken a new direction and leads to the fourth industrial revolution, which in turn is associated with the term Industry 4.0 (also "Enterprise 4.0") in DE.