Datafication is a technological trend turning many aspects of our life into data which is subsequently transferred into information realized as a new form of value.
Kenneth Cukier and Viktor Mayer-Schönberger introduced the term “datafication” to the broader lexicon in 2013. Up until this time, datafication had been associated with the analysis of representations of our lives captured through data, but not on the present scale. This change was primarily due to the impact of big data and the computational opportunities afforded to predictive analytics.
Datafication is simply transforming everything in our life into devices or software powered by data. So, in short, Datafication is the modification of human chores and tasks into data-driven technology. From our smartphones, industrial machines, and office applications to AI-powered appliances and everything else, data is here to stay for longer than we can ever remember! So, to keep our data stored the right way and secure and safe, it has become an in-demand specialization in our economy.
Is datafication and digitalization the same?
Datafication is not the same as digitization, which takes analog content—books, films, photographs—and converts it into digital information, a sequence of ones and zeros that computers can read. Datafication is a far broader activity: taking all aspects of life and turning them into data.
Where is datafication used?
Datafication causes an increased need for IT professionals, data scientists, engineers, technicians, managers, and so much more. Even more useful is that anyone with a sound knowledge of technology can do a certification in data-related specializations to find a job in this space. Data jobs are more about skills than big-level qualifications. Some popular data careers are Big Data Engineers, Robotics Engineers, IT Architect, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientists.
Why is datafication important?
Datafication helps businesses improve their products and services by using real-time data. It is also an important component in collecting customer feedback about the quality of the products and services offered by any company.
Digital marketing widely uses datafication and this process involves collecting customer insight through various channels such as social media, email and other digital platforms. The information can be used to create personalized campaigns for each client and targeting the right audience persona.
Is the data protected?
Attention must be paid to data protection! This refers to any action performed by an organization to ensure that personal information is kept safe and secure. This includes:
- Legal requirements
These include laws such as the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and the EU General Privacy Regulation (EU GDPR). They also cover how organizations collect, store, use and disclose customer data.
- Technical measures
Technical measures refer to the actions taken to protect data in transit or at rest. Examples of technical measures include encryption, firewalls and access controls. - Business practices
Business practices refer to how a business interacts with its customers and other stakeholders. These may include marketing campaigns, sales processes and customer service. And in a data protection scenario, for instance, it is illegal for businesses to process personal data without consent unless there is a legal basis for doing so.