3.1.1- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

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Email

This is the simplest form of communication.

Pros and cons:

✓ Quick and easy to use

✓ Widespread usage

✓ Can attach documents

X There are limits on attachment sizes

X There are security issues as messages can be intercepted

X It is impersonal and spamming may occur

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Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

This is where businesses sent documents without the use of internet. This is done by agreeing on a file type and format using a trade agreement. This is done between trade partners.

Pros and Cons:

✓ It is more secure than email

✓ Paperless transaction

✓ No human error

X Expensive to install

X Must use the same format and file type to be able to view the document

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Integrated Services, Digital Network (ISDN) and Broadband

This is a way of transferring fully integrated information between computer networks. The digitalisation of ISDN allowed voice and data to be used simultaneously. Broadband is now used instead. There are five types of broadband:

1. Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line- transfer data using phone lines.

✓ Easy to install

X Downloading is faster

2. Cable- bundles of optical fibres carry information.

✓ Fast connection

X Only available in cities and large towns

3. Wireless (WiFi)- transmitted to computers using radio signal.

✓ Fast connection

X Interference in built up areas from tall buildings

4. 3G- allows mobiles to use the internet with mobile signal.

✓ Available on the move

X Limitations on attachment size

5. Satellite- one way allows download only, two way allows sending and downloading however downloading is faster.

✓ Available anywhere

X Expensive

X Interference from bad weather

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Videoconferencing

This allows two locations to interact using audio and video. You can use a dedicated system which has everything on one console or a desktop system which adds things like microphones onto an ordinary desktop laptop.

Multipoint videoconferencing allows three or more locations to interact using a multipoint control unit which creates a bridge to connect calls.

✓ Instant Response

✓ Visual information

✓ Eliminates the need for travel so cuts costs

X Camera shyness can hinder progress

X Issues with times zones

X Connection could be slow or could fail

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Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Pros and Cons:

✓ More efficient

✓ Increased flexibility

✓ Bi-directional parametric association means that changes to one part also changes linked features making things easier

X No physical product

X High initial setup costs

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Rapid Prototyping

Liquid Resin- a laser draws a shape/ layer in the resin which then solidifies. Excess resin is wiped away. The platform them moves down and is covered with more resin. The process repeats itself until the model is completed.

Laser Sintering- a laser draws a shape/ layer in the white powder which then solidifies. Excess powder is wiped away. The platform them moves down and is covered with more powder. The process repeats itself until the model is completed.

Pros and Cons

✓ Improves communication as 3D models are easier to understand than 2D drawings

✓ Fast so improves lead time

✓ Can see if it performs the function correctly

X Expensive initial setup costs

X Tooling is expensive

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Electronic Point of Sales (EPOS)

This is the process of scanning the barcode with a laser. The bars are reflected onto a photoelectric cell.

The first two numbers on the barcode are the origin, the next five are the brand owner's name, the next five are the item number and the last one is the check digit. This relays the information into the computer.

The data matrices (2D barcode) is read and decoded by a machine vision system.

Pros and Cons:

✓ It allows you to see how many of these items are in stock

✓ It gives you an instant account of the financial transactions

X It doesn't show the price.