CRITICISM 🚀 Digital Transformation or Rediscovery of Office Automation? 💻

Digital transformation is the hot topic these days. But, as an engineer who studied in the 90s and witnessed the computerization of workplaces, I can’t help but notice a “rediscovery” of concepts that already existed decades ago, now with a modern "decoration." 🎨

🔍 Essentially the same, just with new names

In the 90s, we talked about computerization and information technology (IT). The goal was the same as today: to improve efficiency, connectivity, and productivity through technology. 🖥️ Today, those same concepts seem to have been "rebranded" with more impressive terms, but the essence remains unchanged.

For instance, we used the word office automation back then, which might sound outdated now, but it’s as relevant as ever. It included tools like word processors, spreadsheets, and email—fundamental for any office. Today, we talk about "collaboration platforms" or "productivity suites," but aren’t we talking about the same thing? 🤔

🔄 What has really changed?

Technologies have undoubtedly advanced. 🌐 Cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are powerful, but essentially, we’re not discovering anything radically new. Process automation, which in the 90s was just about machines doing repetitive work, is now called Robotic Process Automation (RPA). 📈

It’s true that today’s terms sound more sophisticated, but we’re still pursuing the same goal: improving how we work and how businesses operate using technology. ⚙️ What we once called local area networks (LANs) are now "cloud networks," enabling global collaboration. 🌍 The evolution is undeniable, but the essence remains.

🧐 Are we rediscovering the wheel?

What’s ironic is that many of these modern terms are presented as if they were recent discoveries. It’s like we’ve “rediscovered” office automation, but with a fancier name. The truth is that many of the advancements under today’s digital transformation umbrella were already part of business strategies in the 90s. 🎯

This isn’t about downplaying current advances, but acknowledging that we’re not witnessing a conceptual revolution, but rather the evolution of principles we’ve known for decades. 🌱 We’re not reinventing the wheel; we’re just adding new layers to it and, of course, giving it a trendier name.

🏁 Conclusion

The much-hyped digital transformation is, in many ways, just an evolved version of the computerization from the 90s. 🚀 The terms are more sophisticated, but the essence remains the same: using technology to be more efficient, interconnected, and productive. We’re not rediscovering anything new; we’re just refining what already existed. Oh, and office automation is still alive and kicking, though few dare to call it that. 😄💼