Topic 4.1.3 - How technology has changed and is changing production methods

What are the 3 types of technology?

1) automation production and mass production

2) computer-aided design (CAD)

3) computer-aided manufacture (CAM)

3 advantages of automation production and mass production

• Machines are faster, more accurate and productive then people 

• Leads to higher efficiency, lower unit costs 

• higher output 

define computer-aided manufacture

uses computer to control and manage the production process 

define computer-aided design (CAD)

images of design and prototypes are electronically produced by engineers  

3 advantages of CAM:

• Less mistakes from human error (possibly improved quality) 

• Less waste producing new models 

• less labour required (lower labour costs) 

3 disadvantages of CAM:

• Cost of redundancy payments for workers 

• Disruption while new computers are installed (lost of sales and productivity)

• Increased training costs for workforce with new skills 

3 advantages of CAD:

• Increase designer productivity (quicker to amend designs)

• Designers can rotate three dimensional images before manufactured 

• Design quality is higher

disadvantages of CAD:

high cost of computers (new software)

3 importance of investing in new technology:

• speed up production

• less wastage or error (can order less parts)

• reduce labour costs

4 effects on business when product has high quality:

• able to build good brand image

• stay and become more competitive

• increased sales when meeting customer satisfaction

• can charge a higher price

4 effects on business when product has poor quality:

• Loss existing customer

• Unable to attract new customers 

• Damage of reputation 

• Cannot meet demand on time lose potential customers

• Increase waste 

3 ways to achieve quality in production: 

• Quality control 

• Quality assurance 

• Total quality management

How quality control improves the production efficiently?

• products are checked at the end 

• products are checked by trained inspectors 

• Aims to eliminate faults before products gets to customers

How does quality control impact the workers efficiently?

Less training needed as inspectors employed are the ones to check 

define quality control

process of checking products at the end of production to see if standards are met

2 advantages of quality control:

• most effective utilisation of resources (minimising waste)

• less training required for workers

• improves safety for users (products are tested, which has a higher customer satisfaction)

2 disadvantages of quality control:

• expensive as pay inspectors to check products 

• Identifies faults but not cause of fault so it’s difficult to remove increased costs of products scrapped / repaired

2 advantages of quality assurance:

• reducing risks associated with defects or errors.

• can stay competitive as continuous improvement enables adapting to change customer needs

2 disadvantages of quality assurance:

• time consuming and complex process

• high starting cost for training and resources

• can be difficult to measure effectiveness of quality assurance

How can quality assurance improve the production efficiently?

• checked by employees throughout the production process 

• Eliminates faults before next stage of production process 

• Reduced costs as less need to reduce prices of faulty goods