Technology in Production (OCR GCSE Business)

Computers and Automation

• A range of computer-based technologies can be used to automate production and logistics processes

• Computer-aided design (CAD)

  • The process of digitally creating design simulations of products in 2D or 3D

  • It can also include the use of computer software to create mapping processes for industrial machinery, e.g. the movements required by a robotic arm in a car factory

• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

  • The use of computers to assist in operations of a manufacturing plant, such as production processes, planning, management, transportation and storage

• Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)

  • The complete automation of a manufacturing plant, with all processes functioning under computer control with digital information tying them together

• Drones

  • Unpiloted aircraft used to carry out an increasing range of business tasks including package delivery, photography and security

    • E.g. Large agriculture businesses use drones to spot failing crops and areas of concern in large fields, mapping boundaries and even applying pesticides

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

  • The use of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages

An Evaluation of Technology in Operations

Robots

• Robots can be used to automate production processes and have an increasing range of specialist uses in business

  • They are programmed to collect information from their environment using sensors and use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve production performance

    • E.g. Hotel chain Yotel employs ‘robotic staff’ that can move around anywhere in the hotels, carrying guests' luggage, delivering laundry, cleaning rooms and making coffee

Business Uses of Robots