Chapter 18 (2) Production - Technology Flashcards
name the 5 technologies that have changed production methods
Automation
Mechanisation
CAD
CAM
CIM
What is automation
equipment used in the factory is controlled by a computer to carry out mechanical processes
What is Mechanisation
production is done by machines but operated by
people
What is mechanization used for
particularly useful for unpleasant, dangerous and difficult jobs
What is CAD
full form
computer software that draws items being designed more quickly and allows them to be rotated to see the item from all sides instead of having to draw it several times
When and what is CAD used for
(computer-aided design) - used when a business has to design new products or to re-style existing products
Particularly useful for detailed technical drawings.
what is CAM
full form
(computer-aided manufacture) - computers monitor the production process and control machines or robots on the factory floor
what is CIM
(computer-integrated manufacturing) - total integration of computer aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
The computers that design the products are linked directly to the computers that aid the manufacturing process.
Methdods technology used to improve productivity with electronic payment methods and scanners at till
EPOS
EFTPOS
Contactless payment
What is EPOS
full form
(electronic point of sale) - Used at checkouts where the operator scans the barcode of each item individually.
The price and description of the item is displayed on the checkout monitor and printed on the till receipt. The inventory record is automatically changed to show one item has been sold and if inventory is
low (at the reorder point) then more inventory can be automatically ordered.
What is EFTPOS
full form
(electronic funds transfer at point of sale) - This is where the electronic cash register is connected to the retailer’s main computer and also to banks over a wide area computer network.
What is contactless payment\
how does it work
a fast, easy and secure way to pay for purchases that are less than a small amount
the contactless device has an antenna. When it is touched against a contactless terminal, it securely transmits information about the purchase.
Adv of tech
» Productivity is greater as new, more efficient production methods are used, reducing average costs.
» Greater job satisfaction stimulates workers, as routine and boring jobs are now done by machines.
» More skilled workers may be needed to use and maintain the new technology.
Businesses must offer training to existing workers in the use of new technology. The workers may become more motivated and therefore improve
the quality of their work.
» Better quality products are produced owing to more accurate production methods.
» Quicker communication and reduced paperwork, owing to computers, lead to increased profitability.
» The information that is available to managers through the use of IT is much greater and this should result in better and quicker decision making.
» New ‘high tech’ products are introduced as new technology makes completely new products available.
Disadv of new tech
» Unemployment could rise as machines/computers replace people on the factory floor and in offices.
» It is expensive to invest in new technology products and machinery. This increases the risks as large quantities of products need to be sold to cover the
cost of purchasing the equipment.
» Employees may be unhappy with the changes in their work practices when new technology is introduced.
» New technology is changing all the time and will often become outdated quite quickly and need to be replaced if the business is to remain competitive.
