Technology Flashcards
What is technology?
-application of science in the operation of a business
What are robots used for?
-used for:
Material handling: move materials or work parts around
Processing operations: using tools to perform a process on parts.
Assembly and inspection: for building and checking final product
How do robots effect businesses?
Advantages
- speed,accuracy and efficiency
- reliable, quality and less waste
- handle boring, repetitive or hazardous tasks
- reduce unit costs
Disadvantages
- upfront investment
- de-motivating for displaced staff
What is automation?
-use or robots is the first step to automation, the use of machinery to replace Human Resources
Works best when:
- task is repetitive, involving the same basic work motions every cycle
- task is hazardous or uncomfortable for the human worker
- requires a work part or tool which is awkward to handle
- allows robot to be used on several shifts
How does automation affect a business?
-production now performed by machines
-reduces human intervention to a minimum
-used to regulate work flows
-not just confined to factories - any business process can be automated
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What are design software systems?
- use of computers to perform the functions related to design and production
- technology associated with this trend is called CAD/CAM, for computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing
What is CAD?
-use of computers to create, modify, analyse and optimise a design
What is CAM?
-use of computers to plan, control and manage production operations
How are businesses effected by design software systems?
Benefits
- speeds up R&D process
- speeds up manufacturing
- virtual testing
- reduces costs
How is technology used to communicate?
- technology has revolutionised business communications
- developments have improved customer service, working with suppliers and marketing
What is mobile technology?
- laptop computers, PDA
- smartphones
- GPS
- wireless/Bluetooth devices
Benefits
- facilitates flexible working
- better customer service
- connects remote teams
What are networks?
-LAN,WAN, VPN
Benefits
- facilitates flexible working
- better customer service
- connects remote teams
How do businesses benefit from technology?
- reduces labour costs
- improves quality as less mistakes from human error
- reduces waste
- increases productivity, humans get tired
- makes the business more flexible
- gives the business more info about its financial position
- allows for research and development
- improves working conditions
How are problems created by using technology
- resistance to change by current employees
- lower morale if jobs are lost
- cost of buying and updating technology
- keeping up w/ changes
