How technology has changed production methods

Question 1

Automation

Answer 1

Production by equipment which are controlled by computers.

Question 2

Mechanisation

Answer 2

Production by machine operated by workers (human)

Question 3

Computer aided design (CAD)

Answer 3

3D drawing software to design new products

Question 4

Advantages of technology

Answer 4

-Higher productivity
-Improved motivation as boring jobs are now done by machines
-Better quality products are produced
-Faster communication
-Improved flow of information for managers

Question 4

Electronic point of sale

Answer 4

Used at checkouts where stock records are automatically adjusted as an item barcode is scanned when it is sold. e.g. supermarket stock

Question 5

Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS)

Answer 5

Cash registers connected to bank (Customer’s card is swiped and money is transferred right away from customer’s bank account

Question 6

Disadvantages of technology

Answer 6

-Higher unemployment as machines replace human labor
-Technology is expensive
-Technology becomes outdated very quickly and may needs to be upgraded often