Discover key terms and technical terms in our industry. In our comprehensive lexicon, you'll find understandable explanations and definitions to help you navigate through complex concepts and technologies.
Ein API-Gateway ist eine Schnittstellenmanagement-Komponente, die als Eintrittspunkt in ein System dient, um API-Anfragen zu verarbeiten. Es handelt sich um eine Schicht, die zwischen den Klientenanfragen und den verschiedenen Backend-Services vermittelt.
Softwareentwicklung
Accessibility standards are guidelines and regulations developed to ensure that products, services, and environments are accessible to people with disabilities. These standards aim to provide equal access and use options to all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
UX/UI-Design
After-sales means all services and interactions that take place after a product or service has been sold. The aim is to increase customer satisfaction, strengthen customer loyalty and generate additional revenue through maintenance, spare parts, upgrades or training.
Customer Journey
Agile development is an iterative and team-oriented approach to the software development process that is characterized by flexibility, continuous feedback, and continuous improvement of the end product. The aim is to maximize customer satisfaction through early and regular delivery of functional software.
An application programming interface (API) is a collection of rules and specifications that allows different software programs to interact with each other and exchange functions or data. APIs define the methods and data structures that programs can use to communicate with each other without knowing the details of each implementation.
Artificial intelligence is the area of computer science that deals with the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. This includes understanding language, recognizing images, learning from experience, and solving complex problems.
Tech-Innovation
Augmented reality is the computer-aided extension of the perception of reality. This technology overlays virtual information or objects over a live image of the real world in real time, usually through the use of cameras, sensors, displays and software.
Automated testing is a process in software development that uses specialized software to automatically check other software for errors. These tests repeat defined tasks to ensure that the program delivers the expected results and does not show any adverse side effects.
Automation refers to the process in which manual or mental tasks are taken over by machines, technologies, or systems to increase efficiency and productivity. This is done by using algorithms, robots and other technological tools that reduce human errors and optimize work processes. Automation is used in a wide range of industries and areas, from manufacturing to administration, and contributes to the development of new technologies and innovations.
Big data refers to extremely large amounts of data that come from various sources and are generated at high speed. This data is often so extensive and complex that conventional data processing tools can process it ineffectively.
Data
Blockchain is a decentralized technology or distributed ledger that stores data about all transactions in chronological order and transparently. Each block in the chain contains a specific number of transactions and is linked to the previous block by cryptographic methods, which ensures data integrity.
Business intelligence (BI) comprises the strategies and technologies used by companies to analyze data and obtain business-relevant information. The aim is to make well-founded decisions and improve company performance by systematically evaluating data from various sources.
A chatbot is a computer program that is able to communicate with people just like a human being. Chatbots are often used in customer service applications to answer customer questions and solve problems.
Digital interactions
Churn prevention refers to the strategies and measures that companies take to minimize the risk of customer churn and strengthen the loyalty of existing customers. The aim is to identify potential reasons for emigration at an early stage and to proactively initiate countermeasures.
The cloud refers to a technology that delivers applications, services, and data over the Internet. Instead of being stored on a local computer or a company-owned server, applications and data are stored in remote data centers and accessed from there via the Internet.
Platform strategies
A code review is a systematic process in which the source code of a software project is reviewed by one or more people who are not the original authors of the code. The aim is to identify errors, improve the quality of the code and ensure that it meets established development standards.
Color psychology is the study of the effects of colors on human behavior and perception. It investigates how different colors can influence moods, feelings and behaviours and is used specifically to elicit specific reactions in various contexts.
A content management system (CMS) is software that makes it possible to create, manage and publish content on digital platforms without the need for special technical knowledge. A CMS usually separates content from presentation so that users can edit content without knowing HTML or other programming languages.
Continuous deployment is a software development practice in which every change that passes all tests in the production process is automatically deployed to the production environment. This process makes it possible to deliver changes to customers quickly and efficiently, without manual intervention in the approval process.
Continuous integration (CI) is a software development method in which members of a team integrate their work results frequently — usually several times a day — into a joint development branch. The aim is to identify errors at an early stage and improve software quality through automated builds and tests.
Conversion, or conversion, in marketing is the transformation of a website visitor into a customer by carrying out a desired action. This action could be buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, filling out a contact form, or any other measurable activity that helps achieve business goals.
Cross-platform integration refers to the ability of different software systems and technologies to seamlessly interact with each other and exchange data, regardless of the particular platform or operating system. This integration allows applications and services to work across devices and operating systems while remaining consistent.
Cross-selling is the sales strategy in which customers are offered additional products or services that complement a product that has already been purchased or selected. This method aims to increase a customer's value to the company by selling more, related products.
Customer centricity is a business strategy that places the customer at the center of all company activities. The aim is to develop a deep understanding of the needs and wishes of customers and to orient the entire company to meet or exceed them.
Customer experience (CX) is the entirety of all experiences that a customer has during the entire interaction with a company. It covers all aspects of customer perception, from the quality of the product or service to customer service and after-sales support.
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is a key figure that quantifies the total value of a customer for a company over the entire duration of the business relationship. CLV estimates a customer's financial contribution based on past purchases, expected future transactions, and other interaction values.
Customer self-service, CSS for short, is a strategy and technology that enables customers to obtain information, make inquiries and solve problems independently, without direct contact with a service representative. This can be done via various digital channels, such as websites, apps, or self-service portals.
Customer service is the support and support that a company provides to its customers before, during and after the purchase of products or services. The aim is to increase customer satisfaction, solve problems efficiently and ensure long-term customer loyalty.
Customer feedback refers to the feedback, opinions, and reviews that customers provide about their experiences with a product, service, or company. It is a valuable tool for companies to gain insights into customer satisfaction to maintain and identify areas for improvement.
Customer interactions refer to any communication and interaction between a company and its customers. These can take place via various channels such as personal conversations, phone calls, emails, social media or live chats. Customer interactions are crucial for building customer relationships, customer satisfaction, and identifying areas for improvement in products or services.
Customer journey mapping is a method of visualizing a customer's entire journey through all points of interaction and experiences with a company. This tool is used to better understand the customer's perspective and, based on this, optimize customer interactions.
Customer loyalty refers to the strategies and measures taken by a company that aim to establish and maintain long-term relationships with customers. The aim is to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction in order to increase the repurchase rate, recommendation rate and customer value over time.
Customer onboarding is the process by which new customers of a company are introduced to using a product or service. The aim is to inform and support customers so that they can get the most out of their purchase.
A customer portal is a digital platform that enables companies to offer their customers central, secure and personalized access to various services and information. Through the portal, customers can access their personal information, carry out transactions, submit support requests, and more, depending on the specific features that the company provides.
Customer recovery refers to the strategic measures taken by a company to regain lost customers. This includes targeted campaigns and offers aimed at getting former customers to return by addressing their previous preferences and experiences.
Customer relationship management (CRM) is the strategic approach and technological support that companies use to manage and analyze their relationships with current and potential customers. The main goal of CRM systems is to improve customer loyalty by effectively addressing customer needs and optimizing customer interactions across various channels.
Customer satisfaction is the extent to which a customer's expectations are met or exceeded by a company's products or services. It is an important indicator of the quality of customer relationships and a decisive factor for customer loyalty and long-term business success.
Customer segmentation is the process of dividing a customer base into smaller groups that share similar characteristics, needs, or behaviors. This enables companies to make their marketing strategies, product developments and services more targeted and efficient.
A customer self-service portal or platform is a web application that allows customers to access specific services or information without having to rely on the help of an employee. It is essentially an online platform that provides customers with a range of tools to answer their questions, solve their problems, and obtain information about a product or service.
Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are integrated networks of computer-aided components that interact directly with physical processes. They use sensors and actuators to collect and react to data from the physical world. The combination of computer and software technologies with network and physical processes enables CPS to react autonomously and in real time to environmental changes.
Data governance comprises the entirety of processes, guidelines, standards, and technologies required to ensure the availability, usability, integrity, security, and effectiveness of data in an organization. The aim is to guarantee high data quality and responsible use of data.
Data integration is the process of combining data from various sources into a coherent data set to provide a unified and comprehensive view of this information. The aim is to bring together disparate data in such a way that it can be used for analysis and decision-making.
Data migration refers to the process of transferring data between storage systems, data formats, or computer systems. The aim is to effectively and securely transfer data from an old system to a new system, often as part of system upgrades, the implementation of new systems or IT restructuring.
Data mining is the process of systematically applying statistical methods to large amounts of data, with the aim of identifying patterns and relationships that are useful for business decisions.
Data quality is the extent to which data sets meet the requirements and expectations in terms of accuracy, timeliness, relevance, completeness and consistency. High data quality is crucial for carrying out reliable analyses and making well-founded decisions.
Data visualization is the process of presenting data in graphical form to make complex information understandable and accessible. The aim is to make insights and trends in the data visible through visual means such as charts, graphs and maps.
Data warehousing is the storage and management of large amounts of data from various sources in a central repository. This system is optimized to enable quick access, analysis and reporting and thus supports decision-making processes in companies.
DevOps is a software development practice that aims to improve collaboration and communication between the traditionally separate functions of software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). The aim is to optimize software delivery in terms of speed, efficiency, and quality.
A digital experience platform (DXP) is an integrated and modular software solution that enables companies to create, manage, and optimize digital content across multiple channels. It aims to create personalized user experiences by using customer data, analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.
A digital twin, or digital twin, is a virtual representation of a physical object, system, or process. It is created to simulate and analyze real entities in a digital environment. By continuously updating with real-time data from connected sensors and other sources of information, the Digital Twin accurately reflects the current state of its physical counterpart.
Digital signage refers to the use of digital display systems to visually display information, advertising and other content. This technology uses screens such as LCD, LED, and projections to dynamically and interactively present content in public places or in business environments.
Digitalization is the process of converting analog information into digital formats and integrating digital technologies into all areas of a company. The aim is to optimize business processes, increase efficiency and tap into new value creation potential.
Disintermediation is the process of bypassing or eliminating intermediaries in a supply chain or sales line. This enables producers or service providers to interact directly with end users, which often results in cost reductions and more efficient processes.
E-commerce is the purchase and sale of goods and services over the Internet. Business transactions are processed digitally without the need for physical contact between buyer and seller.
E-mail automation is the use of software to plan, personalize, and execute the sending of emails based on predefined triggers and scenarios. This enables timely and targeted communication with customers or prospects without manual intervention.
ETL stands for extract, transform, and load and describes a process in which data is extracted from various sources, transformed into a uniform format, and then loaded into a target database or data warehouse. ETL is a fundamental part of data warehousing and business intelligence.
Edge computing is a distributed computer architecture in which data processing is moved to the edge of the network, close to data sources such as IoT devices or local computer systems. The aim is to minimize latency, reduce bandwidth consumption and improve the efficiency of network applications by analyzing and processing data locally before sending it to a central data center or to the cloud as needed.
Emotional loyalty describes the deep emotional bond that customers develop with a brand, based on positive experiences and strong brand identification. This form of loyalty goes beyond purely transactional relationships and includes affective aspects such as trust, affection and a personal connection to the brand.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) describes a category of software solutions that are designed to integrate and manage the various processes within a company. ERP systems make it possible to coordinate all essential business functions — from production to logistics to financial management — in a uniform system.
Exploded drawings are detailed representations of complex objects or systems in which the individual components are represented spatially separately in order to illustrate the relationship and arrangement of the parts to one another. They are a form of technical illustration that is used primarily in engineering and mechanical engineering.
FigJam is an online whiteboard tool developed by Figma, specifically designed for collaborative teamwork. It allows teams to collaborate in real time, visualize ideas, brainstorm, and create feedback loops.
Figma is a cloud-based graphic design and prototyping tool known for its collaborative functionality. It allows designers to work seamlessly on graphics projects, user interfaces, and user experiences (UI/UX) in real time, both in a browser and in a desktop application.
A framework is a basic structural concept that consists of predefined classes and functions to support and simplify the development of software applications. It provides a standardized way to build and integrate software components, often including specific libraries and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that automate repetitive tasks.
The freemium model is a business model in which basic services or products are offered free of charge, while advanced features, services, or physical goods are available for a fee. It combines the words “free” and “premium” and aims to attract a broad user base, some of which will later become paying customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are a compilation of frequently asked questions and their answers, which are used to provide users or customers with information on frequently occurring concerns or problems quickly and efficiently. FAQs are often used on websites, in product manuals, or in customer service portals.
In technology, the term “headless” refers to systems or software solutions that operate without a built-in user interface (UI). These systems are designed to be controlled via API interfaces (Application Programming Interfaces) and connected to other systems or applications.
Information architecture describes the structured arrangement and organization of information in digital media in order to improve its findability and usability. The aim is to provide users with clear and intuitive navigation within websites, apps or other digital products.
Interaction design is the design of interaction between users and products or systems with the aim of optimizing the user experience. The focus is on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that enable effective and pleasant use.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the networking of physical devices, vehicles, household appliances, and other objects with embedded sensors, software, and other technologies with the aim of exchanging data and enabling communication over the Internet. These devices collect and transfer data, which can then be used to monitor, analyze, and optimize various processes.
A knowledge database is a digital collection of information that is systematically organized and made available to users in order to answer questions, offer solutions to problems, and provide general knowledge about a specific topic or product. It serves as a central point of contact for a company's knowledge management.
Legacy systems are older software or hardware systems that are still used in a company or organization but are based on outdated technology. These systems are often difficult to maintain, expand, or integrate with modern technologies, but they continue to perform critical business functions.
Load balancing is the technique of distributing incoming network requests or network load across multiple servers so as not to overburden a single resource, optimize performance, and increase the availability of applications. This improves response times and increases system reliability.
MACH stands for microservices, API-first, cloud-native and headless. The MACH principle is a concept in IT that helps companies react quickly to changes and create innovative digital experiences. MACH technologies are designed for flexibility and scalability and enable companies to seamlessly integrate technologies and create personalized, cross-channel experiences.
Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers to learn from data and make decisions without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms analyze large amounts of data, recognize patterns and forecasts, and improve their performance over time through continuous learning.
Master data is consistent and structured data that describes the key business units of a company, such as customers, products, suppliers, and employees. They contain key information that remains unchanged over a longer period of time and is used for numerous business processes.
Microservices are an architecture and method for software development that structures an application as a collection of small, autonomous services. Each of these services, known as a microservice, is responsible for a specific task and functions independently of the other services.
A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a version of a product that is developed with minimal effort and the most basic features to quickly validate the viability of a business idea. The aim of an MVP is to receive early feedback from the first users in order to further develop the product based on actual user behavior.
Mobile apps are application software that was developed specifically for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They are designed to provide users with specific features and services that are tailored to mobile usage scenarios and the technical characteristics of the devices.
Monetization is the process of turning a resource, product, or service into a revenue stream. This includes developing various strategies to generate financial profit from existing assets, whether through direct sales, advertising, subscriptions, or other business models.
The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a key figure used to measure customer loyalty and satisfaction with a company. The score is determined based on a single question: “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend our company to a friend or colleague?“ Responses are divided into promoters (9-10), passives (7-8) and critics (0-6).
The network effect describes the phenomenon in which the value of a product or service for its users increases with the number of users. The more people or companies use a particular technology or platform, the more valuable it becomes for each individual user.
Omnichannel is an integrated and coherent strategy in customer communication and interaction that aims to provide a seamless customer experience across various channels. This includes both digital and physical touchpoints, including online web shops, social media, mobile apps, phone contacts, and retail stores.
An online platform is a digital infrastructure that is accessible via the Internet and enables users to exchange information, use services, or carry out transactions. These platforms can take a variety of forms, including marketplaces, social networks, e-commerce sites, and many others that promote specific interactions between users or between users and providers.
Optical character recognition, OCR for short, is the technical method by which printed or handwritten texts are converted into machine-readable text using image processing. This process enables computers to extract, interpret, and edit text from images or scanned documents.
Personalization is the process of adapting products, services, or content to the specific needs, preferences, or interests of individual users or customer groups. The aim is to make the user experience more individual and relevant.
The platform economy describes an economic model that is based on digital platforms that bring supply and demand together. These platforms act as intermediaries that facilitate the exchange of goods, services or information without owning the products or services offered.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing service that provides hardware, software, and a development platform on an integrated infrastructure. Users can develop, run, and manage applications without considering the complexity of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure.
Predictive analytics is the process of using data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning models to predict the likelihood of future outcomes based on historical data. It is about identifying patterns from existing data sets and making predictions about unknown future events.
Predictive maintenance, also known as predictive maintenance, is a proactive maintenance approach that continuously monitors the health of plants and equipment to identify potential issues before they result in actual outages. This approach uses data analysis tools and technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to make predictions about maintenance needs.
Product Information Management (PIM) is a system for centrally managing all information related to a company's products. A PIM system collects, organizes, and distributes product information across various sales channels to ensure consistency and quality of product information.
Prototyping is the process of creating a preliminary version of a product to test and optimize its design, functionality, and user experience before the final product is developed. In the context of software development and design, prototypes are used to quickly implement ideas and concepts and collect feedback from users or stakeholders.
Real-time communication means the immediate exchange of information between senders and recipients so that immediate interaction is possible. This includes technologies and platforms that enable real-time voice calls, video calls, text messages, and data transfers.
Responsive design is an approach in web development in which websites are designed in such a way that they are optimally displayed on devices with different screen sizes and resolutions. It uses flexible layouts, images, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to automatically adapt the look of a page to the user's device.
Robotic process automation refers to the automation of business processes through the use of software robots or “bots” that perform repetitive, rule-based tasks. This technology makes it possible to imitate human interactions with digital systems to perform tasks that were previously performed manually by employees more efficiently and without errors.
Scalability is the ability of a system, process, or network to efficiently handle an increasing load, whether by increasing the number of resources or by optimizing existing resources. In technology, and in particular in software development, the aim is to increase performance with increasing use without loss of quality.
The shared economy, also known as the sharing economy, is an economic model that enables the joint consumption of resources by sharing or renting out access to products and services instead of owning them. This promotes efficient use of existing resources and reduces overcapacity.
The term “shift-left” refers to the concept of integrating testing and quality controls in the earlier phases of the software development process. This approach aims to identify and fix issues and errors as early as possible in the development cycle in order to increase efficiency and reduce the costs of subsequent bug fixes.
A smart factory, also known as an intelligent factory, is a state-of-the-art production facility that uses digital technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect and optimize the entire production chain. In a smart factory, machines, systems and processes are controlled by data analysis, artificial intelligence and networked devices to enable flexible, efficient and self-optimizing production.
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process framework that describes the various phases that go through when planning, building, testing, and delivering a software application. This model is used to make software development systematic and efficient.
Software architecture describes the fundamental structure of a software system, including its modules, their relationships with each other and with the environment, as well as the principles and guidelines that are applied during design and implementation. It includes structuring software components and defining communication channels to ensure an efficient and maintainable software solution.
