Industrial and commercial practices

Question 1

email advantages

Answer 1

quick, easy and convenient - global
widespread usage
exchanges can be saved as a record
documents can be saved

Question 2

email disadvantages

Answer 2

impersonal and messages can be misinterpreted
SPAM mail can waste time
not secure
limited attachment size
crashing and file loss.

Question 3

electronic data interchange

Answer 3

paperless transition of data through a computer network, can transfer large files and can send payments but requires both the sender and receiver to agree on document format and standards.

Question 4

EDI advantages

Answer 4

• saves money from being paperless
• saves time
• improves customer service
• expands customer base due to improved customer service

Question 5

EDI disadvantages

Answer 5

• Incompatibility with some companies due to different standards
• standards update regularly causing problems with version uses
• expensive set up cost
• limits trading to only EDI companies

Question 6

Local area Networks LAN advantages

Answer 6

• speed - fast sharing and file transfer
• often cheap
• good security
• easy to manage software
• allows for sharing of resources
• LAN based mail
• flexibility, files can be accessed from any computer within the firm
• workgroup software allows for multiple people to work on the same document

Question 7

Local area Networks LAN disadvantages

Answer 7

• server faults stop applications running
• network faults can loose data
• user work is dependent on the network
• resources (printers) can be located fair away from users

Question 8

advantages of global networks (internet)

Answer 8

• fast and reliable communication
• advent of truly global village
• easy to access and find info
• search engines can be of assistance
• technical support available
• trade law info available
• online banking and reservation
• online shopping

Question 9

disadvantages of global networks (internet)

Answer 9

• theft of information
• spamming
• virus threat
• hacking

Question 10

advantages of video conferencing

Answer 10

• eliminates need for travel
• visual information can be communicated
• accelerates decision making process
• remote diagnosis available with tech support

Question 11

disadvantages of video conferencing

Answer 11

• time zones can cause difficulties
• connection failures
• lack of eye contact can hinder conversation
• camera shyness

Question 12

electronic information handling

Answer 12

used to handle market analysis for future planning
processes raw data
essential to ensure competitive edge
can be used in spec development
reduces design process