This article explains the implementation of digitalization especially in the field of engineering. Digitalization, both of the product and the service developed within the framework of service-oriented business models, will be presented. Another key point of digitalization is the horizontal and vertical integration of technical and administrative work processes along the product life cycle. The vertical integrations are about the integrations of the authoring systems along the life cycle phases; requirements management, system architecture, CAD in mechanics, electronics, software development, simulation, testing, process planning and digital factory into the overall System Lifecycle Backbone (SysLM). Horizontal integration focuses on administrative functions such as release, change and configuration management over the entire product life cycle and the technical integration of the information generated in the individual product lifecycle phases. The distribution and orchestration of functions between SysLM, MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) is particularly relevant here. The contribution is rounded off by a compilation of relevant process- and technology-related requirements for a SysLM solution as well as a presentation of a concept for determining the degree of digitalization in engineering (maturity determination).