DP4 Technological developments

Technology

The equipment and knowledge available to assist a business to function and create products.

Technological developments list

Can’t Always Remember Acronyms Clearly, Obviously

• Computer-aided design (CAD)

• Automated production lines

• Robotics

• AI

• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

• Online services

Automated production lines

Process where raw materials enter and finished products leave with little or no human intervention.

• Compromises of machinery & equipment arranged in a sequence with components added to a good as it proceeds through each step, controlled by a computer.

Advantages of Automated Production Lines

• Business can produce at faster rates = higher output + increased productivity

• Reduced need for human labour = business can produce at reduced costs + increased productivity

• Use of robotics = precision & speed + can continue for long periods

Disadvantages of Automated Production Lines

• COST - robotics = unaffordable for small/medium-scale manufacturers

• Cost to maintain/replace

• Training required so employees are familiar w/using it - costly (time & money)

• Must spend downtime for repairs/updates/changes for tech to work consistently well

Robotics

The combination of science, engineering and technology that produces machines called robots.

• Used in engineering, specialised areas of research, on automated production lines

Advantages of Robotics

• Allows production to continue for long periods (work without complaint/demand for wage rises, in conditions that may be unacceptable for employees)

• Precision & speed in production

• Reduced need for human labour = business can produce at reduced costs + increased productivity

Disadvantages of Robotics

• Costly - unaffordable for small/medium scale manufacturers

• Costly to maintain/replace

• Must spend downtime for repairs/updates/changes for tech to work consistently well

Difference between Robotics and Automation

Robotics involved the use of robotics to create products through the control of workers, whereas with automation, the machinery does it by itself.

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Computerised design program that facilitates creation and modification of product design. Allows the business to create at 3D view of a product from a series of input parameters.

Advantages of CAD

• Can produce product designs at faster rates, without erasing & redrawing

• Can view design from multiple angels = design & end user can visualise the outcome

• Can produce a 2 or 3D computerised version of a product = changes can be made before prototype

Disadvantages of CAD

• Computer software can crash = possible loss of work

• Costly for software

• Costs + time to train staff = can deter many from using CAD

• Potential loss of jobs

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

Involves the use of software and machinery that allow computers to direct and control the manufacturing process.

• Machines are fed programmed instructions from a central computer

Advantages of CAM

• Business can produce at faster rates at reduced cost

• Business can produce w/ greater consistency + accuracy (each finished product is the same, no errors)

• Business manufacturing process can become computer-directed by controlling the process = greater efficiency bc machines controlled by computers won’t need breaks

Disadvantages of CAM

• Computer software can always crash = production ceasing

• CAM systems & machinery are very expensive + business make make big upfront investment

• Cost & time to train staff = can deter many from making big upfront investment

• Generally designed for specific tasks - not versatile

Artificial intelligence (AI)

The ability of a computer or robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and judgement.

Advantages of AI

• Able to learn from past bad ratings - ensures max customer satisfaction

• Perform basic tasks = allows manufacturers to better plan production schedules + reduce workload

Online services

Can be provided by a business through a website, which is a connected group of pages on the internet.

Includes:

• Websites

• Social media

• Smartphone apps

• PayPal

^Website

Can be used for marketing, operations or for customers to browse products, book appointments or communicate w/ a business.

Advantages of Online Services

• Website - a business is accessible for sales 24/7

• Reduces costs of labour & leasing/purchasing a physical space

• Can be used to deliver consistent messages to customers & suppliers + for customer feedback

Disadvantages of Online Services

• Developing a website may be expensive + time consuming

• Operating websites/apps can require highly skilled staff - may be expensive to train/employ

• Websites/apps can suffer outages or ‘go down’ = frustrating to customers = loss of sales/affected reputation