AOS4 - KK4 - Strategies to Improve Both and Efficiency and Effectiveness of Operations Related to Technological Development

Question 1

Types of Technological Developments

Answer 1

• Automated production lines
• Robotics
• Computer-Aided design
• Computer- Adied manufacturing techniques
• Artificial intelligence
• Online services

Question 2

Automated production lines

Answer 2

a series f machnes and workstations that are arranged in sequence to perform tasks automatically with little to no employee input

Question 3

Advantages of automated production lines

Answer 3

• increase speed in which products are produed (increased productivity)
• reduce labour costs
• eliminates human error (improves consistency)
• machinery can work longer without breaks

Question 4

Disadvantages of automated production lines

Answer 4

• high initial costs
• ongoing maintenance / repair costs
  -if machine breaks down production is slowed/ stoped

Question 5

Robotics

Answer 5

Progammable machnes that can operate tasks automatically

Question 6

Advantages of robotics

Answer 6

• decreased labour costs
  greater accuracy and consistency
• improved employee saftey as robotics can perform dangerous tasks

Question 7

Disadvantages of robotics

Answer 7

• high initial costs
• can take time to set up
• ongoing maintenance/ repair costs

Question 8

Computer-Aided Design

Answer 8

A software system that enables a product to be created in digital form, modified, analysed and tested before it is put into production

Question 9

Advantages of Computer-Aided Design

Answer 9

• Allows design processes to be completed quickly.
• Adjustments to designs can be easily made.
• Often in 3D, which provides a realistic view - helps others provide feedback.

Question 10

Disadvantages of Computer-Aided Design

Answer 10

• The computer software may crash – designs may be lost.
• Cost of the software can be expensive
• Employees need to undergo training in order to use the software, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Question 11

Computer-Aided Manufacturing

Answer 11

The use of software and computer controlled machinery to manufacture products. It will tell a machine how to make a product.

Question 12

Advantages of Computer-Aided Manufacturing

Answer 12

• Greater efficiency as machines are controlled by computers, not humans.
• Designs can be altered without manually reprograming the machine (all can be done from the computer).

Question 13

Disadvantages of Computer-Aided Manufacturing

Answer 13

• Computer errors can occur – slowing or halting production.
• CAM software can be expensive.
• Employees need to undergo training in order to use the software, which can be expensive and time-consuming

Question 14

Artificial intelligence

Answer 14

Systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks that are traditionally done by humans

Question 15

Advantages of Artificial intelligence

Answer 15

• Reduces human error
• Can perform repetitive tasks
• Tasks are completed quickly
• Reduces labour costs

Question 16

Disadvantages of Artificial intelligence

Answer 16

• High initial cost of implementing an AI
• The program can break down – slowing or halting production
• Relies on the input of human data – errors can occur if data is inaccurate

Question 17

Online services

Answer 17

Allows businesses to connect with their customers in some way over an internet connection

Question 18

Advantages of Online services

Answer 18

• Ability to meet customer demands virtually.
• Increased convenience for customers.
• Reduces the need for labour and facilities, which can save the business money (no leasing costs).
• An online service is usually accessible 24 / 7

Question 19

Disadvantages of Online services

Answer 19

• Increased need for cyber security, which can be expensive.
• Initial cost of setting up a website can be expensive.
• Ongoing maintenance of the online service.