An integrated services Digital Network (ISDN) and broadband have enabled high-speed data and communications transfer, which can
be using in an video conferencing system.
Dedicated systems have all the required
components packaged into a single console,
including a high quality controlled video
camera
Desktop systems are
add-ons to normal personal
computers such as
webcams and microphones,
transforming them into video
conferencing dveices
Advantages of video conferencing Meetings can
take place without leaving the office. Travel costs
and the time taken to travel can be reduced
significantly. Meetings can be called instantly
worldwide with little notice. Delegates can still
attend meetings even if they are physically unable
to.
Disadvantages of video conferencing May not be as
productive as a discussion around a table.
Confidential documents may need to be viewed and
signed in person. There will always be times when
you need to be able to meet face to face.
Market
Research
WHAT IS MARKET RESEARCH? This is
where a company/design team takes an
initial design concept for a product and tests
it out on potential customers or the general
public. This is done through questionnaires,
interviews and a range of other activities.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF MARKET RESEARCH? Market research
has several aims: The most important is to determine if the design
concept has any chance of economic success. Potential customers
will soon express their opinion and say if they would be interested in
buying the product.
Market research often leads to suggestions regarding
improving the product so that it is more likely to be
successful. This may be as simply as an alteration to
the colour scheme or a dramatic change in the style of
the product or the functions it performs.
The price the customer is prepared to pay for the product
is often determined during market research. This sets an
upper limit of cost to the design and production teams.
Market research may suggest how many individual ‘units’
are likely to sell. If production goes ahead, this will help
determine the number of products manufactured during the
first run on the production line.
Flexible manufacturing systems
A Flexible Manufacturing System is one that can be changed or adapted rapidly to manufacture different
products or components at different volumes of production. Flexible manufacturing systems are usually seen
at their most efficient when manufacturing components rather than finished products.
When machines are used to manufacture a variety of products/components this is called ‘machine flexibility’.
A good example is a company that specialises in manufacturing injection moulded components. The
component design may change very quickly but as long as the mould is updated / modified the injection
moulding machine can still operate. Computers monitor the supply of materials, monitor the operating
temperatures and quality control. Machines of this nature are adaptable and are ideal for FMS
The products below are CD /DVD storage units. The injection moulding
machine is an example of machine flexibility because the mould can be
changed quickly and different designs can be manufactured.