Many different paths lead to digital transformation, and each organization's journey will be unique. For example, a company may introduce artificial intelligence or cloud computing to improve the customer experience. Or it could redesign the supply chain to take better advantage of machine learning. A company can even make on-the-spot predictions about products customers will want within a few months and then change production to meet demand.

But in any case, starting a digital transformation journey requires a new mindset. This is a chance to redesign how companies do things, often from the ground up.

Two concepts related to digital transformation are digitization and digitization.

Digitization is the process of converting analog information and data into digital form; for example, by scanning a photo or document and storing it on a computer.

Digitization is the use of digital technologies to change business processes and projects; for example, as employees gain the ability to use new software platforms designed to help bring products to market faster. Although digital transformation includes digitization efforts, it goes beyond the project level and affects the entire organization.

For most companies, digital transformation requires a shift away from traditional thinking towards a more collaborative, experimental approach. These new ways of approaching business are in turn creating new solutions that can improve the customer experience, drive employee innovation and drive company growth at a fundamental level.