Technology in operations

Question 1

Electronic point of sale

Answer 1

Commonly known as the ‘electronic checkout’ - controlled by a computer and allows a reciept to be given to customers, with all transaction details listed (proof of purchase)

The EPOS system is used to scan barcodes on products which looks up the price and deducts it from the total inventory balance

Up-to-date list of all items sold in a day – allows for automated inventory control as the system can be set to automatically re-order items if it reaches a certain level

Deterrent of theft

Question 2

Hand-held scanners

Answer 2

Allows customers to scan barcodes of their items as they shop (e.g. Sainsburys smart shop) - eliminates the need to unpack/repack shopping at the point of checkout

Convenient for both parties as it saves time for the customer and reduces labour costs for the business (less checkout staff required)

Inventory levels can also be automatically updated when customers scan products

Question 3

Databases

Answer 3

Can be used to record supplier details or items of inventory

They consist of thousands of records that can be easily searched and sorted to enable the user to locate specific items

Databases can also be used tot create reports that can be used to list top-selling items (useful for departmental meetings)

Question 4

Computer aided design

Answer 4

This system is used to design an item before it is manufactured – used to be done by hand

Advantages

Accuracy increased- reduces human error

Ideas can be saved,modified,printed and shared

Allows 3D visual concepts of drawings to be shared

Reduces space as drawings are sorted electronically

Disadvantages

Expensive to purchase software and equiptment

Training requireed to use the software and hardware

Less employees required to create CAD drawings- unemploynment

Question 5

Computer aided manufacture

Answer 5

This system uses machinery that is controlled by computers

Advantages

Produces consistent results

Produces highly accurate results

Runs efficiently 24/7

Difficult shapes can be created as CAM is precise

Disadvantages

Expensive machinery

Takes time to programme machiner

Question 6

Robotics- CAM

Answer 6

This is when production is completely automatic and conducted by machinery/robotics - consistent approach to production means a standardised product can be created with no quality differences

Although this can be an expensive method of production, it is a more efficient method as human error is removed

Production can run 24/7 with no need for breaks unlike human workers who require time off