pros of emails (5)
- quick
- big address books can be complied for mass-mailing
- orders/payments can be made
- no postage cost
- emails can be sent on the move
cons of email (3)
- junk mail clogs up server + slows down internet
- hackers can gain info about your personal info
- don’t know if the person you’re communicating with is acc who they say they are
what’s EPOS? and what does is do?
electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems- used to gather + record info when items are scanned at checkouts
what info do retail codes usually give info about?
the products country of origin/ manufacturer
it’s specific product code
what happens when a product is passed over the laser scanner?
the barcoded item is identified by its unique code and its sale is recorded on a computer ,
the computer monitors sales across the whole shop which gives the company control over theft, wastage and damage
EPOS benefits for supermarkets and manufacturing industries (5)
- quick, efficient sales + ordering processing
- barcode search makes checking stock levels easy /quick
- ability to adjust +record stock levels on daily basis
- can generate daily reports
- easy to keep customers/suppliers details e.g. what their favourite items are .
what’s bluetooth?
open wireless system that uses radio waves to exchange data over short distances between mobile + fixed devices which takes place over a personal area network (PAN)
pros of bluetooth (3)
- low power consumption
- devices don’t need to be in line of sight to work as they use radio waves
- higher powered devices can work up to a range of 100m so systems can be installed in places e.g. railway stations
cons of bluetooth (3)
- games controllers rely on bat power + can run out mid game
- services can be interrupted by power failure which can result in data being lost in transfer
- lack of security- bluejacking and bluebugging
what’s a video conference ?
a communication system that allows 2 or more people in different locations to have an interactive video + audio conversation
pros of videoconferencing (5)
- saves money
- saves time
- better for environment
- efficient
- cuts down on travelling
cons of videoconferencing? (3)
- expensive to set up all electrical appliances
- internet speed can vary
- some users aren’t comfortable talking to a camera
what do designers use computer-aided design (CAD) for?
they can create, develop ,record and communicate w/others anywhere in the world
what do designers use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for?
to translate design data into codes, and programs into manufacturing data- enabling computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery to cut/turn products automatically/accurately
what’s a virtual model(ling)?
virtual model- a computer model of a physical object
visual modelling- mainly used for visualisation purposes
how are visual models tested and why?
using simulation programs that can be carried out in a virtual laboratory as it’s safer/cheaper to stimulate than to acc do (e.g. a stimulated car crash)
4 pros of virtual modelling and testing
- products coloured/ textured to show what they’d look like irl
- designs can be easily changed
- files sent electronically (email) which saves time/money
- electronic files linked to CAM machines so prototypes can be manufactured
2 cons of virtual modelling and testing
- software expensive
* takes time to learn to use software
what’s laser cutting / how does it work?
uses a high powered laser controlled by a computer to cut various materials.
laser works by either melting/burning away material on a flat surface(can cut curves though)
the finished edge requires little surface finishing
3 pros of laser cutting
- highly accurate + can achieve fine detail
- can work 24 hrs a day , 7 days a week
- easy to cut identical components
3 cons of laser cutting
- initial capital outlay on machine is high
- lasers can damage eyes
- not effective in high polished mirrored surfaces
what’s computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery?
used to cut and turn products / components automatically w/ accuracy and speed
how does CNC milling machinery work ?
a milling machine used a cutter that moved up and down vertically while the work fixed to the table moves backwards, forwards and from side to side.
when carefully controlled the milling machine cuts curves, 3D shapes and profiles
how do CNC lathes work?
used to turn products in the round. as the work is held in the chuck, the tool post moves to turn cylindrical products + sometimes took changed are automatic + all normal turning processes can be carried out
