What digitalization with values means for traditional companies
Digitalization with values means more than just introducing computers and software. It's about using technology in a way that aligns with your values and puts people at the center. Instead of simply replacing paper with screens, you fundamentally redesign your work processes – but always with an eye on what matters to your company.
An example illustrates the difference: Pure "electrification" transforms your order form into a PDF. That's the first step, but not yet true transformation. With value-oriented digitalization, you instead create a system that automatically reorders when materials run low. Your customers can see online what's available. And you gain time for what really counts: personal consultation.
As a traditional company, you have strengths that are worth their weight in gold in the digital world:
Long-standing customer relationships: Your knowledge of customer needs can be leveraged digitally
Proven quality standards: digital inspection processes make quality even more secure
Reliable work methods: structured processes form the perfect foundation for digitalization
Strong values: Your corporate culture sets the direction
These strengths don't disappear with computers – quite the opposite. With the right digital tools, they become even stronger and reach younger customers too.
Why value orientation is more than just technology
Think of technology like a tool. A hammer alone doesn't make a skilled craftsperson – only the skilled hand behind it creates something valuable. The same applies to digital tools in your company.
Your company values function like a compass during digitalization. Is quality your top priority? Then choose digital systems that automatically detect errors and ensure your high standards. Is customer proximity your trademark? Then invest in tools that strengthen personal contact – not impersonal chatbots.
The "Conceptual Mindset" – an important concept in modern digitalization – means: You develop solutions together as a team, instead of buying ready-made packages. Start small, learn as you go, adapt. This way, technology grows with your needs.
Comparison: two paths of digitalization
Focus only on technology
Focus on values
Accelerate processes and improve results
Meaningful change with foresight
IT department decides alone
All departments shape together
Employees must adapt
Technology adapts to people
Short-term cost reduction
Long-term development
When you combine tradition and digitalization, you respect both worlds. Your 50 years of experience in mechanical engineering? That remains valuable. Digital sensors on your machines just show earlier when maintenance is needed. This way, experience and data combine for even better results.
How companies can examine and develop their values
Before you start, take a close look: Where does your company stand today? This assessment isn't a one-time check, but the beginning of a continuous process.
1. Assessment through simple checks
Start with simple questions. You don't need expensive consultants – honest answers from your team are enough to get started. Many companies use simple maturity models that show: Are you still sending faxes? Or are your teams already working together in the cloud?
These questions help with self-assessment:
What makes our company special?
What values do we live daily?
Are our employees already using digital tools privately?
Where do we lose time through paperwork?
What makes life difficult for our customers?
The answers don't just show you problems – they also uncover hidden opportunities. Perhaps you'll discover: Your younger employees organize everything privately through apps. You can use this competence for your company.
2. Development through workshops and pilot projects
Bring your team to the table. In workshops, employees from different departments talk about what company values mean for their work. Accounting sees "reliability" differently than sales – and both perspectives are important.
Start small with pilot projects. An example: Digital time tracking runs initially only in the workshop. After four weeks, you know what works and what doesn't. With this experience, you roll out the adapted system to other areas.
Concrete steps for future-ready transformation
Small steps lead more safely to the goal. Traditional companies especially benefit from this thoughtful approach.
1. Small experiments instead of perfection
In Germany, we often want to make everything perfect. However, this attitude slows down digitalization. Those who spend months looking for the perfect solution miss the chance to learn.
Try this instead: Test a simple project management app for two weeks in production. Does it work? Good, then expand. Doesn't it work? Also good – you've learned what you really need.
A carpentry business showed the way: Instead of buying an expensive complete system, they started with a free app for order management. After a month, they knew exactly which functions were missing. Only then did they invest in the right solution.
2. Creating collaboration and transparency
In many companies, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Digital tools can tear down these walls – if you approach it correctly.
Create shared platforms where all important information is accessible. Sales sees what production is planning. Production knows what customers want. This creates better solutions for everyone.
Transparency also means: Talk openly about digitalization. Why are we doing this? What does it bring employees? Honest communication creates trust and acceptance.
3. Respecting security and data protection
As a traditional company, you have a good reputation to lose. Data protection and security aren't annoying obligations – they're part of your trustworthiness.
Think security from the beginning:
Encryption: protects data better than any safe
Access rights: only those who need it see sensitive information
Backups: save regularly, automatically, and multiple times
Training: your employees are the best protection
This digital transformation in traditional companies follows a clear principle: preserve what works, carefully integrate what's new.
Involving stakeholders and winning over employees
Without your employees, the best technology doesn't work.
"Conceptual Leadership" means: As a leader, you set the direction but leave room for individual paths. You model digital work methods without pushing. You encourage experimentation without punishing mistakes.
1. Clear communication and training
Change creates fear – that's normal. Take this fear seriously. Don't just explain what's changing, but also why. And especially: What's in it for your employees?
Good training meets everyone where they are. The experienced 60-year-old master craftsperson learns differently than the young 25-year-old journeyperson. Both need training that fits them. Show concretely: This is how the new system saves time. This is how it makes work easier.
2. Gamification and new learning formats
Learning can be fun – even in traditional businesses. A quiz about data security? A competition for who records the most orders digitally? Such playful elements motivate without pressure.
Important: Stay authentic. A craft business isn't a Silicon Valley startup. Find your own way that fits your culture.
The role of sustainability and inclusion in digitalization
Digitalization, sustainability, and inclusion belong together. This isn't a trend, but makes economic sense.
A digital document management system doesn't just save paper. It makes information accessible to everyone – including employees working from home or with visual impairments. Video conferences save travel time and CO2. Digital forms can be read aloud by screen readers.
These connections don't happen automatically. Plan them in:
Choose energy-efficient servers
Pay attention to barrier-free software
Enable flexible working
Measure your digital carbon footprint
Examples from crafts and production
Theory is good – practice is better. These examples show how traditional businesses successfully digitalize.
1. Connected machines and smart workplaces
A carpentry shop in Bavaria connects its saws and milling machines. The machines report themselves when a tool becomes dull. The result: less waste, better quality. The saved time is used by carpenters for individual customer requests.
Smart workplaces don't mean machines replace people. They mean: people work with better information. The experienced specialist at the lathe sees the exact measurements on their tablet. Their skills remain in demand – only the paperwork disappears.
2. Digital workshop planning and resource deployment
A metal construction company plans orders, materials, and personnel digitally. Everything used to hang on a planning board. Today everyone sees on their smartphone what's coming up. Sick leave? Rush orders? The system reschedules and informs all involved parties.
This future readiness for crafts & production shows in daily life. Less downtime, punctual deliveries, satisfied customers. The digital transformation in traditional industries respects the craft – it ensures faster and more precise processes.
How humanity is preserved
Despite all the technology: people remain at the center. Computers are tools, not bosses. This attitude distinguishes successful from failed digital projects.
Ask with every new software: Does it make life easier? Does it help people with their work? Or does it just create new problems? An app that nobody understands is worthless – no matter how modern it is.
Human-centered digitalization means concretely:
Simple operation: everyone can manage without a manual
Meaningful functions: only what really helps gets built in
Time for people: technology creates space for personal contact
Respect for experience: digital tools complement human knowledge
New perspectives with MeisterTask
MeisterTask shows what value-oriented digitalization looks like in practice. As a German company, we understand the needs of traditional businesses. Our software is easy to use, secure, and respects your way of working.
With MeisterTask, teams keep track of projects and tasks. Kanban boards show at a glance who's doing what by when. The intuitive operation convinces even skeptical employees. And your data stays secure in Germany.
