Table 4

Mechanisms and trajectories of digitalization

Dimension of analysis/Use caseLeveraging data visualization tools for creating strategic alignmentLeveraging business intelligence and analytics for automating operational review meetingsLeveraging predictive analytics for managing risk and uncertainty
TriggerNeed for shared, visible performance information; lack of integrated view; coordination and accountability pressuresManual data inefficiencies; need for real-time operational monitoring; reporting burdenRising uncertainty and cost pressure; need to anticipate resources and capacity; limits of retrospective control
Digital technologies adoptedBI platforms; interactive dashboards; integrated visualization toolsAutomated data extraction; multi-source integration; BI-based operational monitoring; workflow automationAdvanced analytics; predictive forecasting tools; integration of operational and financial data
Controller activities impactedPerformance visibility and alignment; cross-level coordination; benchmarking and monitoringOperational control; data collection and reporting; real-time performance reviewsPlanning and forecasting; risk management; forward-looking performance management
Nature of change in control activitiesFrom fragmented, retrospective reporting → integrated, multidimensional visualization; enhanced transparency and shared interpretive frameFrom manual data preparation → automated, routinized monitoring; increased frequency and granularity of controlFrom retrospective control → predictive and anticipatory control; enhanced scenario-based decision support
Extent of transformationSelective: strong impact on visibility and coordination; limited transformation of core financial controlSelective: deep transformation of operational control; relative stability of strategic and financial controlSelective but deep: major transformation of planning and forecasting; limited impact on routine accounting and compliance
Change in controller's roleFrom data consolidator → interpreter and facilitator of performance dialogue; stronger coordination roleFrom data handler → performance process owner; responsibility for data reliability and operational monitoringFrom scorekeeper → forward-looking analyst and decision-support partner; stronger role in scenario evaluation and uncertainty management
Professional roles involvedControllers; operational managers; clinical/functional leaders; IT/BI specialistsControllers; operations managers; IT and data teams; process ownersControllers; top management; planning and finance teams; data analysts; IT specialists
Emerging tensions and challengesData ownership and interpretation; transparency vs information overloadData governance and quality; coordination with ICT; integration complexityForecast reliability; analytical capability; managing uncertainty and model dependence
Contribution to digitalization trajectoryEnables data-driven coordination and strategic alignmentEstablishes routinized, automated operational control infrastructureExtends control toward predictive, anticipatory, and risk-oriented management

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