Operation 5

Question 1

What is technology and operations?

Answer 1

• Technology can be used in a number of different ways in the operations function:
• Deliveries can be tracked and traced via websites of logistics companies
• EPOS can be used with computerized stock control to automatically order depleted stock
• Computer programs can be used to store stock levels
• Spreadsheets can be used to accurately and quickly produce production budgets
• Websites can be used to compare prices of different suppliers before deciding which one to use
• Email can be used to let customer know order status
• Computer-aided design (CAD) can be used in the research and design stage of a new product before it is manufactured
• Computer-aided manufacture (CAM) involves using computer controlled equipment and robots in the manufacturing of a product

Question 2

How can technology be used in an organisation?

Answer 2

• Computer facilities can be used for purchasing materials online
• Email can be used to confirm an order has been received and to let the customer know about the progress and status of the order for example when it has been dispatched
• Websites can be used to compare the prices of different suppliers and to provide customer feedback to the organisation
• Deliveries can be tracked and traced through websites or through mobile phones via a link
• Computer programs can be used to store stock levels for example database or spreadsheets.

Question 3

What are EPOS?

Answer 3

• EPOS is short for Electronic Point of sale.
• The equipment used today in nearly all major retail outlets: shops, restaurants, clubs and pubs to name but a few.
• Its a fast and efficient way of making sales, whilst at the same time recording important information about the transaction and stock levels.

Question 4

What is CAD?

Answer 4

• Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.
• CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing.
• CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations.

Question 5

What is CAM?

Answer 5

• A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice-versa.
• It is often a part of a rotating wheel (e.g. an eccentric wheel) or shaft (e.g. a cylinder with an irregular shape) that strikes a lever at one or more points on its circular path.
• The cam can be a simple tooth, as is used to deliver pulses of power to a steam hammer, for example, or an eccentric disc or other shape that produces a smooth reciprocating (back and forth) motion in the follower, which is a lever making contact with the cam