9. June 2017
digi-what? Become a digital native with our lexicon of digitalisation
Our article makes you fit for digitalisation. Become a digital native with our lexicon of digitalisation.
It’s not just the construction industry that lives in its very own world of terminology (see our article ‘Are you lost for words?’ ). Digitalisation also brings with it new terms and not just new applications. Terms that often leave many people who are not familiar with the digital sector at a loss. It doesn’t have to stay that way!
We have compiled the most important terms for you in our lexicon of digitalisation to get you ready for the digital transformation. During our research, we came across a somewhat different glossary of digitalisation that we would like to share with you here. Find out how digitalisation is changing the day-to-day business of the medium-sized company MaMo GmbH.
Click here for Klartext 4. 0 – the glossary with a difference
edr software lexicon of digitisation
App
App is the abbreviation of the English term application. It refers to application software, i.e. an executable programme that fulfils a more or less useful function but is not relevant to the functioning of an entire system itself. The range of functions of a device can be expanded using one or more apps.
BCF – Open BIM Collaboration Format
BCF is a data interface for the simplified transfer of individual information from larger building models during the work process between different software solutions based on the IFC. Model-based communication is realised between different users, providing information on status, location, viewing direction, component, comment, user and time in the IFC data model (Source: buildingSMART).
BI – Business Intelligence
BI is a term that has been used since the early to mid-1990s to describe procedures and processes for systematically analysing (collecting, evaluating and presenting) digital information in order to gain well-founded insights for operational and strategic corporate decisions(Source: Wikipedia).
Big Data
A universally valid, clear definition of big data is still lacking, but it can generally be said that big data refers to any dataset that exceeds the limits and possibilities of conventional IT. Standard databases and tools are increasingly struggling to cope with the rising flood of data: Relative databases fail due to the volume, ETL processes are too slow and have difficulties with the diverse data formats, traditional BI is therefore too slow and can no longer effectively process the masses of unstructured data. (Source: softselect).
BIM – Building Information Modeling
BIM is a planning method in the construction industry that involves the creation and management of digital virtual representations of the physical and functional properties of a building, but not software. Software can only ever be BIM-capable. The building models represent a database of information about the building in order to provide a reliable source for decisions throughout the entire life cycle, from initial preliminary planning to demolition. Thanks to the interoperability of different technology platforms, BIM allows all parties involved to access the same information at the same time.(Source: pCon Blog)
Here is a short video that explains BIM in a nutshell:
Cloud Computing
The scalable and billable provision of IT services such as software, computing and storage capacity or platforms via a private or public network.
Construction 4.0
Based on Industry 4.0, in which production is interlinked with state-of-the-art information and communication technology, digitalisation in the construction industry is also referred to as Construction 4.0.
CRM- Customer Relationship-Management
CRM means customer relationship management and refers to a strategy for systematically organising all relationships and interactions of a company with existing and potential customers. The associated documentation and management of customer relationships is an important building block and enables in-depth relationship marketing, which has a significant impact on a company’s success in many industries.
Digitisation
The term digitalisation refers to the conversion of analogue values into discrete (graded) values for the purpose of storing or processing them electronically. Digitalisation also refers to the increasing penetration of the economy and society with digital technologies (e.g. social media, big data, clouds, smart devices, Internet of Things).
DMS – Document management
The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) defines DMS (systems) technically as technologies, tools and methods for capturing, processing, providing, storing and archiving information to support business processes within an organisation.
ECM – Enterprise Content Management
The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) defines ECM as technologies for capturing, managing, storing, preserving and providing content and documents to support organisational processes. Various software solutions interact with each other. Central elements for this are archiving, output and input management and web content management systems, as well as a document management system.
ERP- Enterprise Resource Planning
ERP refers to a business software solution for resource planning and process control in a company or organisation. ERP integrates a large number of business applications and operating data, which are processed and stored in a central database. Modern ERP systems contain numerous functions such as procurement, production, sales, human resources, controlling, etc. (Source: SoftSelect).
GoBD
GoBD stands for ‘Principles for the proper keeping and storage of books, records and documents in electronic form and for data access’. The GoBD were published by the Federal Ministry of Finance on 14 November 2014 and apply to all assessment periods from 31 December 2014. The following guide outlines the current legal situation.
IFC – Industry Foundation Classes
IFC stellt ein allgemeines Datenschema dar, das einen direkten und vollständigen Austausch von Daten zwischen verschiedenen entsprechend zertifizierten Software-Anwendungen ermöglicht. Dieses Datenschema umfasst Informationen aller am Bauprojekt mitwirkender Disziplinen über dessen gesamten Lebenszyklus hinweg. IFC ist eines der mächtigsten Open BIM Instrumente (Quelle: Data Design System).
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things also has a plethora of different definitions. These are clearly summarised in the blog post ‘IoT definitions: What actually is the Internet of Things?’ in the Experts in IT blog. Smart we find the quintessence that is drawn from the definitions presented here:
‘The Internet of Things therefore consists of objects that become ‘smart’ through the installation of microchips and can coordinate with other objects and computers directly and via the Internet, but without human intervention. Each smart object is given a unique identifier that can be used to identify it in the network.’
Artificial intelligence
In general, artificial intelligence or AI refers to the attempt to emulate human-like intelligence, i.e. to build or programme a computer so that it can process problems independently (Source: Wikipedia).
Mixed Reality
Between reality and virtuality, there is also augmented reality (AR) and augmented virtuality (AV). These two intermediate forms are mixed realities (MR). In mixed reality, the real world or the virtual world are combined with each other. One example of this is telepresence, in which real people appear in virtual environments. In augmented reality, virtual information, animations or graphics are superimposed on real scenes; in augmented virtuality, real superimpositions are combined with virtual scenes. (Source: ITWissen.info)
PKMS – Project Communication Management Systems
PKMS encompasses the computerised processes that extend across all phases of the project in the sense of information logistics. The addressees are all project participants.
Single Sign-On
Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication process for a user’s session. A name and password are stored in order to gain access to several applications. There are no further prompts for identification. This allows the user to easily switch back and forth between different applications in one session.
SaaS – Software as a Service
SaaS is a sub-sector of cloud computing. The SaaS model is based on the principle that the software and IT infrastructure are operated by an external IT service provider and used by the customer as a service.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality, or VR for short, is the representation and simultaneous perception of reality and its physical properties in a real-time, computer-generated, interactive virtual environment (Source: wikipedia).
ZUGFeRD
ZUGFeRD is the standardised data format for electronic invoices. It has been available to all interested authorities and companies free of charge since 25 June 2014. It is based on PDF/A-3 and offers the option of embedding an XML invoice in a PDF and thus transmitting both structured invoice data (XML) and the invoice image (PDF) simultaneously by email.
FeRD provides further information
