Technology

• Definition of technology


  Business technology involves the use of machinery and systems that enable businesses to undertake the transformational process more effectively and efficiently, allowing employees to work more productively
• Technology overall


  In manufacturing, technology usually involves machinery that speed up production and enables better utilisation of raw materials

  In services, technology often involves office and communications advances

  The cost of technology is relatively high, so businesses need to decide whether to purchase or lease it. Leasing is more common because it is cheaper (lease payments are tax deductible), which allows money saved to be spent elsewhere
• Office technology


  Development of technology has created the opportunity for people to do more work in less time which means a greater range of tasks can be completed in their working home

  Telecommute → to commute or travel to work electronically meaning the home or another location becomes the worksite and work is delivered via email or the internet.

  In many businesses, the ‘virtual office’ and ‘paperless trading’ are becoming a reality alongside the adaptation to traditional office structures through common ‘hot desking’.
• Manufacturing tech - robotics

  Robotics

  Used in engineering and specialised areas of research, as well as on assembly lines where a programmable machine capable of doing several different tasks is required

  Robotics allows for a degree of precision and accuracy generally unmatched by human labour

  In addition, work robots work without complaint or demands of wage rises in conditions that would be repetitive, boring or dangerous

  However, they are very high cost items that are unaffordable for most small and medium-scale manufacturers
• Manufacturing tech - CAD Overall

  Is a computerised design tool that allows businesses to create product possibilities from a series of input parameters

  Allows creation of a product from a series of inputs, showing a 3D image of the product from enables costings to be done based on materials needs and changes made without having to make anything

  CAD programs are linked to printers so that hard copies can be made and distributed for the client to assess
• Manufacturing tech - CAD advantages

  CAD programs are linked to printers so that hard copies can be made and distributed for the client to assess

  Given the speed of CAD software, it is easier to customise options which will satisfy the needs of clients

  This software designs the sequence of steps which would need to be taken to created the desired good in the shortest possible lead time using the least amount of material
• Manufacturing tech - CAM


  Is software that controls the manufacturing process

  The CAD software can be linked to the CAM software to allow the instantaneous manufacturing of designs that are accepted by client

  Can also be used more broadly to calculate the quantity of each input resource that would be required in production

  Can be used to store historic purchasing records to assists with present decisions

  The field of engineering and product design is being re-shaped through 3D Printing that enable innovation and new methods of production to arise.