MECHANISATION and AUTOMATION Flashcards
(6 cards)
What us Mechaization?
Is the replacing of human or animal muscle power by a machine or machines in order to produce more quickly and efficiently.
What is an example of merchandizing?
When a tailor replaces
his needle and thread by a sewing machine, he has mechanized his work. Similarly,
when a tractor replaces a mule, or a lumberjack has replaced the axe by a power saw to fell trees in the forest.
What is Automation?
Is mechanization taken a stage further. It is the use or introduction of automatic equipment in a manufacturing or other process or facility.
What is Automation used for in manufacturing?
In manufacturing is used toperform a whole series of repetitive processes and taskswith little or no human intervention. Today, it includes
software and hardware to control processes through computer programming and
robotic tools.
What are the advantages of mechanization and automation.
- Production is increased in greatly reduced time.
- Automation reduces labour costs because machines replace many workers.
- It reduces cost per unit of production.
- Errors are almost completely eradicated hence wastage is reduced.
- Automation provides a spur to research and development (R&D).
- Minimum supervision is required because more machines are employed.
- The quality of the product is improved.
- The response time is quicker in terms of meeting customers’ demand.
- Automation helps compensate for shortage of skilled labour.
What are the disadvantages of mechanization and automation.
- Many workers are replaced, and this contributes to unemployment.
- Automation and mechanization represent a very costly investment to the firm.
- Breakdown not repaired quickly can disrupt production.
- Machines can only be used when large outputs are required.
- Only standardized products can be produced; this limits the use of the machine.
- Newer models can render the other models obsolete. This results in further cost
to the business.
