Seven families of digital transformation tools
Organisations use many digital tools to work better, and we can sort them into seven families. First, workflow tools make repeated tasks smoother, such as a state online portal that handles requests and bill payments. Second, e-payment tools let people pay without handing over cash. Third, collaboration and communication tools let people talk and work together even when they are far apart, for example by video call. Fourth, e-learning tools support lessons and practice through the internet. Fifth, artificial intelligence and machine learning: a computer system is shown many examples and learns to do a job, such as telling ripe fruit from unripe fruit. It learns from examples; it does not think like a person. Sixth, cloud computing keeps files and programs on powerful computers that we reach through the internet. Seventh, cyber security protects devices, data and accounts, for example with strong passwords. Note that to get most digital services you need an e-mail address; Weeks 7 and 8 explain it.
| Family | What it is for | Plain example |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow | moving a repeated task along | a request passes from desk to desk by itself |
| E-payment | paying without cash | paying a household bill with a phone |
| Collaboration | working together from far away | a video call for a group project |
| E-learning | lessons and practice online | an online quiz with instant marks |
| AI and machine learning | learning a job from examples | sorting ripe fruit from unripe fruit |
| Cloud computing | keeping files and programs online | opening your file from two devices |
| Cyber security | protecting accounts and data | a strong password that you keep private |
Make seven small cards, one for each family. On the back of each card draw or write one plain example. Shuffle the cards and ask a partner to match each family to its example. Write the family you found hardest to explain.