3.4.3 Making operational decisions to improve performance: How To Use Technology To Improve Operational Efficiency. Flashcards
How can robotics improve operational efficiency? (Main applications of robotics).
Handling operations - manipulate materials and components into position.
Welding.
Other production applications - dispensing liquid, painting and coating materials etc.
Assembling - greater speed and accuracy.
Packaging and palletising - improves the efficiency of production.
Measurement, inspection and testing - spot errors with greater accuracy.
Hazardous applications.
Define automation.
The use of machinery to replace human resources.
Outline CAM.
Computer-aided manufacturing (or manufacturer), uses computers to undertake activities such as planning, operating and controlling production.
How do robotics plan production?
Networks are constructed and manipulated on computers - ‘what if?’ analysis - examine the implications of any modifications to the networks - consequently, the business can plan the use of resources more effectively.
How do robotics operate production?
CAM - use of robots and full-automated production lines, computer controlled, increase productivity - reduce problems caused by human error.
How do robotics control production?
Maintaining control of the process through computer-based quality assurance systems can overcome the possibility of human error - provide more rigorous scrutiny of quality.
How do computers control stock?
Tech helps operations management improve efficiency through stock control:
Computer programs linked to statistics on patters of consumer purchases - allow to anticipate changes in stock level more accurately - can operate at lower levels of stock - reduce costs.
Computerised systems - allow to instantly access their current stock levels - reducing the need for time consuming manual checks.
Retailers - link tills to stock control through EPOS (Electronic point of sale) systems. Every time an item is sold - EPOS adjusts the stock level - can order new stock when an item hits the re-order level.
Organisations with many branches can use technology to establish locations where stock is being held - emergency stock can be moved between branches.
How have computers been integrated into communications?
Allows the business to improve both internal and external communications - improving efficiency and the businesses understanding of the market.
Internal information can be processed and amended more quickly - keep employees up to date - facilitates two-way communication - improves staff efficiency and motivation.
Company intranets enable employees and, where necessary suppliers, and customers to access company information at any time.
Increases the speed of communication and scope for greater responsibility - allows to de-layer and operate wider spans of control.
Loyalty cards - accumulate information on customer buying habits.
The internet - e-commerce. Eliminates the need for expensive high-street premises - operations moved to places where costs (wages and rent) are lower - reduce the need to employ staff - adds flexibility - no longer have to fit in with traditional business structures.
How does technology approve design?
Comparison and testing of new ideas - different ideas can be introduced and compared much quicker in a computer-aided design (CAD) - drawings transformed into 3D images - also have programs to simulate testing.
Creation of new products -traditional games replaced by computer games etc.
What is CADCAM?
An approach that combines computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture, using IT to assist both the design and manufacture of an item.
How has technology affected employment?
New skills and jobs.
Multi skilling - allowing companies to benefit from the multi-skilling of staff, creating jobs that are less rigidly designed and adaptable to changes in the workplace.
Changes in work practices - encourages teleworking - occupations such as market research, software development etc - flexibility.
What are the benefits of using technology in applications?
Reducing costs:
Replacing manual systems with technology - reduces
labour costs.
ICT - used in production planning - devise the most
cost-effective way of manufacturing a product.
Reductions in waste - remove unnecessary costs -
improves competitiveness.
Internet - can locate away from expensive sites.
Improving Quality:
Overcome human error - scrutinise quality.
ICT - enables business to understand customers
requirements more fully - adapt products to include
customer’s important features.
Reducing waste:
Stock control systems - orders placed at the most
appropriate times - excessive stock does not build up.
Integrated stock control systems - identify branches
holding stock that is needed by other branches.
Time - business activities carried out quicker.
Increasing productivity:
Machines work at a faster and more consistent speed
- output per head increased by tech.
Computerised systems - closer control over stock
levels - reduces manual checks - reduces wage bills.
Enables the business to use resources most
effectively and reduce costs.
What are other benefits of technology?
Financial monitoring - greatly improves the budgeting process - can plan budgets more rigorously.
New and better goods and services - made available and higher-quality goods/services can be produced - improve customer satisfaction levels.
Better working conditions p reductions in noise and better temperature control in the work area.
What are the issues in introducing and updating technology?
Resistance to change.
Lower morale - fear of redundancy.
Cost.
Keeping up with change - training staff - updating constantly - adds to costs and threatening efficiency if the business cannot keep up.
Lowers barriers to entry - consumers can use the internet to compare prices - ICT has potential to force prices and profits down - especially in high-wage economies such as the UK.
