DT Section A Flashcards
Impact on Industry - Automation
AUTOMATION
Automation has been developing in factories since the Industrial Revolution, with machinery being used to complete tasks previously done by humans. Automated machines are programmed to carry out a procedure multiple times, eg repeatedly creating the shape of a car door using a press, to improve production time. The cost of setting up machinery is high but, when they are operating, less waste is produced and running costs are lower.
Impact on Industry - Robotics
ROBOTICS
The use of robots is just one part of automation. The difference between robotics and automation is that robots use artificial intelligence (AI) to collect information and improve the performance of a particular procedure. Robotics has proven popular because of their ability to increase efficiency and handle harmful materials that humans can’t, but they are very expensive.
Impact on Industry - Specialist buildings
SPECIALIST BUILDINGS
Smart technology has improved the efficiency of buildings, with many factories using renewable energy sources to try to minimise environmental impact. Modular buildings can be erected quickly and at a low cost, and improvements in stock control mean less storage space is needed.
Impact on enterprise - Crowdfunding
CROWDFUNDING
Traditionally, new businesses would borrow money from a bank to raise enough funds to develop a project. This is risky and, with interest payments, can be expensive. Crowdfunding uses websites to advertise products as investment opportunities, where people can choose to back a project with a financial donation if they think it will be viable. Backers are often rewarded with free gifts, discounts or a pre-agreed part of any profits if the product is successful.
Impact on Enterprise -Virtual marketing and retail
VIRTUAL MARKETING AND RETAIL
Promotion of products online and sharing experiences, reviews and recommendations has rapidly become part of the retail experience. Algorithms can generate information about users’ buying habits and suggest relevant retail sites for them to try using search engine optimisation (SEO). Blogs, vlogs and social media all provide advertising platforms, and costs of retailing from a website are far lower than from a high street shop.
Impact on Enterprise - Cooperatives
COOPERATIVES
Cooperatives are organisations with lots of people working together towards common goals. The cooperative is run and owned by members who share decision-making, profits and risk. The Co-operative Group, John Lewis and Partners and Nationwide Building Society are examples of cooperatives in the UK.
Impact on Enterprise - Fair trade
FAIR TRADE
Fair trade is a trading partnership that ensures workers in developing countries are given suitable working conditions and are paid a fair wage. It is not a legal obligation for companies to follow, but it has become more popular over time as it represents a growing belief that workers who produce products should be treated well. This has encouraged companies to fair trade endorse some of their products to support their sales.
Impact on sustainability - Finite Resources
FINITE RESOURCES
Finite resources are non-renewable and will eventually run out. Metals, plastics and fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) are all examples of finite resources. Finite resources are popular as they are easily accessible due to strong supply chains and often have benefits for manufacturing particular products or for energy supplies. Companies have become more careful in their use of finite resources, and they now consider the ecological footprint caused by using such materials.
Impact on Sustainability - Non-finite resources
NON - FINITE RESOURCE
Non-finite resources are found naturally and can be replaced. Examples include wood, cotton and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Where trees are cut down for wood or hibiscus plants harvested for cotton, new ones can be planted in their place.
Impact on Sustainability - Waste disposal
WASTE DISPOSAL
How materials and resources are disposed of is carefully monitored and managed by local councils. Households are encouraged to recycle waste items where possible, including products made from various materials such as hard plastics, paper and steel. Natural garden waste can also be recycled. In 2016, the UK recycled 25 per cent of household waste, with the target of 50 per cent in 2020. All other waste goes to landfill sites, which release harmful gases that pollute the surrounding air and soil.
Impact on Environment - Continuous Improvement
CONTINUOUS IMPROVE
Continuous improvement is the practice of continually making small adjustments to production techniques to improve speed and quality and save resources. This process is known in industry by the Japanese name ‘Kaizen’, and it encourages people to work together and give regular feedback to make small improvements. This can increase productivity and create team harmony.
Impact on Environment - Efficient working
EFFICIENT WORKING
It is important to ensure that companies work in an efficient manner. This includes increasing the speed of production, reducing errors and reducing waste, which can be done by utilising automation or computer aided manufacture (CAM). Implementing quality control checks ensures that errors are quickly spotted and provides the customer with reassurance.
Impact on Environment - Pollution
POLLUTION
Pollution is caused when harmful substances are released into the natural environment. Pollution can occur in the air, water or natural land. Legislation has been brought in to help with this issue. For example, in the UK cosmetic products can no longer contain plastic microbeads as these were previously polluting the ocean. Harmful products, such as batteries, should be disposed of correctly, and companies are being encouraged by government incentives to recycle waste wherever possible.
Impact on Environment - Global warming
GLOBAL WARMING
Manufacturing processes in factories or the use of day-to-day products like cars can cause harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, to be released. These chemicals pollute the air and natural land. Worldwide environmental awareness has led to limitations on the levels of pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases, as well as targets on renewable energy generation, to try to stop global warming. The development of more efficient electrical products, such as low-energy light bulbs, and better building insulation has cut down on energy costs. Some countries offer incentives to increase the use of emission controls, electric vehicles and energy-saving devices, such as better insulation and automatic shut-off devices.
Impact on people - Technology Push
TECHNOLOGY PUSH
Research and development in science and industry can lead to new discoveries, which can be used to improve existing products or develop new ones. This is known as technology push, and it happens before there is consumer demand for a product. Research and development is valuable for companies who are the first to introduce a new, innovative product. Smartphones are an example of a product developed due to technology push, where existing touchscreen technology was used to improve the mobile phone market.
