technology

Question 1

computer-aided design (CAD)

Answer 1

• CAD can be used to simulate a design in a 3D environment allowing the designer to have an idea of how the finished product will look.
• This will lead to more accurate design processes, meaning less wastage. Amendments can be made to designs without having to redo drawings or rebuild prototypes. This saves the developers time.

Question 2

CAD

advantages

Answer 2

• more accurate than hand drawings therefore reduces human error
• increases the productivity of the designer as designs can be saved and modified on the
  computer instead of new hand drawings being created
• images can be saved to be edited at a later date
• images can be sent via email
• images can be viewed in two and three dimensions.

Question 3

CAD

disadvantages

Answer 3

• the initial cost of the software is high
• computers need a large amount of processing power to support the software
• staff need to be trained to use the software.

Question 4

computer-aided manufacture (CAM)

Answer 4

Computer-aided manufacture (CAM) is the use of computers in the manufacturing process. Machinery and other equipment are regulated by a computer which is programmed to control and co-ordinate each stage of the production process.

Question 5

CAM

advantages

Answer 5

• improved efficiency as production can occur 24/7
• improved accuracy and consistency as human error is eliminated
• reduction in waste
• machines will work at a programmed pace therefore speed of production is more
  predictable.

Question 6

CAM

disadvantages

Answer 6

• high initial outlay to purchase the machines/computers
• production will stop if machinery/computers breakdown.

Question 7

electric point of sale (EPOS)

Answer 7

An electronic point of sale (EPOS) system is a combination of hardware and software that allows a business to maintain accurate stock and financial records. The system can also be extended to provide valuable information about customers’ buying habits.

Question 8

EPOS

advantages

Answer 8

• An EPOS system improves stock control as it uses barcodes to:
  1. record products received into stock
  2. record products sold
  3. update stock levels frequently and accurately
  4. provide accurate pricing information
  5. identify demand for products.
  EPOS helps a business minimise the risk of holding too much or too little stock.
• An EPOS system can be linked to a business’s website so that customers using e-commerce can check stock availability. They can identify if the product is in stock and when it will be delivered, register for stock alerts and reserve goods online to collect in store.

Question 9

robotics

Answer 9

• Robots can be used in the production process to reduce labour costs and carry out repetitive work.
• Robots are often used in conditions where employees would not be allowed to work for health and safety reasons, such as a nuclear plant.
• Robots reduce the need for supervision and can reduce wage costs.

Question 10

barcodes and QR codes

Answer 10

• Bar codes and QR codes can be used to aid the delivery process.
• Customers and businesses can use QR codes to track packages.
• Bar codes can be used to aid stock control as part of an EPOS system.

Question 11

email

Answer 11

• Email can be used by the operations department to contact suppliers and place orders.

Question 12

internet

Answer 12

The Internet can be used by the operations department to find suppliers and compare prices.

Question 13

databases

Answer 13

• Databases store information on stock, which can then be easily searched using queries.
• Reports can be generated automatically to help aid in the decision-making process.
• Database systems can be linked to EPOS to allow for the automatic reordering of stock.