Technological development Flashcards
Automated production line
Automated production lines are where equipment and machines are arranged in a sequence and controlled by computer systems to perform tasks automatically. Employees are involved in activities such as maintenance monitoring systems and supplying machines with parts
• 2 main types:
o Hard automation: Where machines or robotics are purpose built for the job they perform
o Soft automation: Where the machines or robotics are reprogrammable and can perform a variety of tasks.
Advantages and disadvantages of automated production line
Advantages
• Productivity rates increase
• 24/7 production
• Reduced wastage
Disadvantages
• Initially very expensive
• If system breaks down, major suspension to production
• Requires technical training.
Efficiency and effectiveness of automated production line
Efficiency
Can perform at a speed which is usually faster than humans, improving productivity
Effectiveness
Allows for a high degree of accuracy which decreases the number of errors that occurred during production.
Computed aided design (CAD)
A computer program that creates and modifies product design. It improves the creation and editing of products in the design process. CAD allows the product to be designed and tested on computer before it is put into production. This helps designers visualise the end product, get feedback and make changes before it goes into production.
Efficiency and effectiveness of CAD
Efficiency
It can reduce the time in labour resources used to design a product which improved productivity
effectiveness
A business can use computer aided design to develop various prototypes and choose the best design to produce
Advantages and disadvantages of CAD
Advantages
• Increase quality
• Customer involvement
• Allows employees to have more creativity
Disadvantages
• Initially very expensive
• Requires technical training
• May replace labour
Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
A software used to allow the manufacturing process to be directed by computers by controlling the production process. The software can easily be changed when required. Production sizes and shapes can easily be changed as computers direct machinery and equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages of CAM
Advantages
• Increase quality
• Customer involvement
• Allows employees to have more creativity
Disadvantages
• Initially very expensive
• Requires technical training
• May replace labour
Efficiency and effectiveness of CAM
Efficiency
Does not require machinery to be manually reset by humans which reduces the amount of time and labour resources used in operations which improves productivity
Effectiveness
The increased accuracy of computer aided manufacturing creates products with a consistent level of quality which can meet the objective of increasing customer satisfaction.
Website development
Website development can make it easier for customers to purchase products. It enables the business to communicate or provide information to customers. It is especially helpful for service businesses and many businesses now don’t need a physical present in the marketplace.
Efficiency and effectiveness of website development
Efficiency
Providing information about the business Online, such as return policies, can save customer service staff time and improve their productivity
Effectiveness
Establishing an online business is less expensive than having a physical store present which can reduce expenses and meet the objective of increase profits. Also allows to reach a wider audience nationally and globally
Advantages and disadvantages of website developement
Advantages
• 24/7 Availability
• Labour costs reduced
• Easy access to customer feedback
Disadvantages
• Initially very expensive
• Requires technical training
• If system breaks down major suspension to production
