Industrial digitalization: possible study approaches and research methodology

The predictions of scientists of the last century about the weakening of the position of material production did not stand the test of time. The large-scale development of information technology in practice turned out to be inextricably linked with the industrial vector of society's development. A significant number of scientists and practitioners are engaged in the study of digitalization processes in industry, which is confirmed by a large number of articles and publications. In this regard, the author identifies seven main research vectors, paying special attention to the methodology of studying the problems under consideration. In the context of a critical analysis of the available developments, the author's vision of the methodology is proposed. It is the unity of two sections: essential and applied. Within the latter, three approaches are distinguished: technological, process and industrial, which define the basic structure of the methodology for evaluating the processes under study. Based on the research results, a detailed definition of the category of digital transformation is given.

digitalization methodology, digitalization, digital transformation, industrial digitalization, technological approach, process approach, industry approach, digitalization assessment methodology, digital maturity