DCA Digital Glossary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a human intelligence simulation in computers designed to undertake tasks such as decision-making and problem-solving, for the purpose of solving complex issues.

Helpful Resource: 1:40 min. Qualcomm video explaining AI and various examples, like autonomous vehicles and AI in medicine.

Big data is a simplified term used to describe large amounts of data that is collected. This data is used to help aid in better decision making and creating efficient business models, for example.

Helpful Resource: 3½ min. video explaining Big Data, examples of its use, and some of its strengths and weaknesses.

Blockchain is a digital database of information and transactions that are safely stored for transparent usage by associated groups and are strengthened to block hacking and cheating of the system.

Helpful Resource: 6 min. Simply Explained video on what blockchain is, how it works, and what it can be used for.

Cloud computing is the use of the internet to deliver a variety of services, such as data storage, networking, and multiple communication processes.

Helpful Resource: 3 min. Amazon video on what cloud computing and its several applications in the real-world.

Crowdsourcing is the use of the internet to gather people for enlistment of a particular service or project, for the purpose of gathering perspectives and information.

Helpful Resource: 5 min. NBC News Learn video on the science behind crowdsourcing, and how it helps solve complex problems.

Data centers are facilities that store, process, and share data, centralizing a specific organization’s digital operations.

Helpful Resource: 0:38-1:11 Google Cloud Tech video on what a data center is.

Digital economy refers to the innumerable economic activities that are based on digital technology and computing tools. For example, the use of Amazon to shop and sell items.

Helpful Resource: 1 min. Gig Economist video on what a digital economy is, and the synonymous terms related to it (i.e. internet economy etc.).

Digital infrastructure is the foundation provided by digital technology and tools for an entity’s (nation, city, state, region, organization) information technology operations.

Helpful Resource: Blog post and video by Autodesk on infrastructure digitalization, its purpose and application.

Digital measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) summarizes the technology and data management tools that calculate, communicate, and validate results in real-time.

Helpful Resource: EC-MAP Digital MRV Page.

A digital supply chain is like any regular supply chain but is comprised of digital mediums used to supply a specific product or service, previously supplied in a physical form.

Helpful Resource: 4 ½ min. Strategy& video on what a digital supply chain is, why it is needed, and an example walkthrough.

A Digital twin is a virtual model of a particular service, product, or process used to analyze and monitor changes and problems.

Helpful Resource: 2 min. Geospatial World video on what a digital twin is and various applications of it.

Edge computing is the method of obtaining, processing, and evaluating a collection of data at the source or near where it was created, for example sensors, phones, and laptops.

Helpful Resource: 3 min. IDG TECHtalk video on what edge computing is and examples of applications and processes.

A GitHub repository contains all the project files as well as a history of revisions for each file, for a specific user. The repository allows you to manage project work and collaborate with one another, as they can be shared or owned individually. Repositories can be used to ask and answer questions, collect user feedback, organize tasks, amongst other functions.

Helpful Resource: Glossary of all GitHub related terms and 1 ½ min. GitKraken video on what a Git Repository is (0:00-0:36) and how to add and use it.

Horizontal integration is when a business acquires another business that is in the same industry and is at the same stage of the supply chain.

Helpful Resource: Investopedia Page w/video explainer.

Industry 4.0 – otherwise known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution – is the current automation of manufacturing and industrial abilities through the application of smart technologies, for example, AI and blockchain.

Helpful Resource: 2 min. video from the University of Derby, UK, on what industry 4.0 is and what it means in the real-world.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that describes the interconnectivity and communication between various digital networks and devices – including smart meters, sensors, satellites, and other electronics – for the generation, collection, and exchange of data and information.

Helpful Resource: 3 ½ min. edureka! video on what IoT is, how it works, and real-world applications and uses.

Interoperability is the capability that computer systems and software have that allows them to exchange and use information.

Helpful Resource: 3 ½ min. video example of interoperability in action in Europe during the Covid-19 crisis.

Predictive analysis is the use of data, statistics, and various machine-learning mechanisms to predict future results and identify likelihoods.

Helpful Resource: 1min. video from Accenture on what predictive analysis is and how it is used.

Machine learning is an example of an AI application that allows for computer systems to self-learn from acquired data and apply the findings without the need for human involvement.

Helpful Resource: 5 ½ min. video from Google Cloud Tech on what machine learning is, how it is used, and what the prognosis of its application is.

The sharing economy is a specific economic model that describes peer-to-peer (P2P) activities related to purchasing, selling, and sharing access to various goods and services; often provided in an online format.

Helpful Resource: 3 min. video by CNN Business on what a shared economy is and real-world applications, from small start-ups to larger operations like Airbnb.

Smart manufacturing is the use of technology-based approaches and tools in the production process – including the usage of internet-linked machinery – to optimize and increase productivity, and meet real time demands and needs in supply.

Helpful Resource: 3 min. video by the DOE on applications of smart manufacturing in the US and making energy production more efficient.

Vertical integration is when one business acquires another business that handles parts of the supply chain that are either before or after the acquiring business’s stage of operations.

Helpful Resource: Investopedia Page w/video explainer.

5G is the more efficient evolution of previous 4G networks, incorporating faster speeds and higher capacities for connecting devices – whether through IoT, AI, or other digital avenues.

Helpful Resource: 5 min. CNET video explaining 5G, what it can do, and how it is applied in various situations (i.e., vehicles and home ownership).