1.7 digital design and manufacture

Computer aided design (CAD)

Using computeres to draw in 2d or 3d and develop products

Computer aided manufacture (CAM)

Using computer controlled equipment to machine materials

Computer numerically controlled (CNC)

Using a program to convert CAD drawings to drive CAM equipment

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Using software to virtually test products in liquid or gases

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Using software to test components and products to identify potential stress or weak points

Electronic point of sale (EPOS)

Shop tills or similar that use barcodes or computer entry to transmit customer orders to suppliers and manufacturers.

Just in time JIT production

A production method that relies on materials and components arriving at the point of manufacture, just in time for production

Master production schedule MPS

A plan used to determine how many products will be made in a given time period

Kanban

A system used to control the movement of materials and components from suppliers and through a factory

Radio frequency identification RFID tags

small electronic devices that can be scanned and used to track items as they move through a factory and into dispatch

Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

Robots, similar to forklift trucks, used to carry materials and finished goods around a factory