Technology in Operations

Technology in Operations

1. Types

   • Robotics
     • Used in production e.g. Mini cooper
   • Automated stock control
     • Enables accurate records to be kept of stock levels
     • Ensures greater efficiency
     • Automatic reordering
   • Communications
     • Intranet, Internet
     • E-mail, videoconferencing
     • Enables all sections of an organisation to be more efficient
   • Design Technology
     • CAD
     • CAM
     • New products can be produced and modified on screen in 3D

2. Advantages

   • Replaces labour, reducing labour costs
   • Improvements to quality
   • reduces waste
   • Increases productivity, reducing production costs
   • Makes monitoring stock easier
   • Ensures that stock is recorded, removing human error
   • Ease of communication
   • Easier to update product design

3. Disadvantages

   • Initial investment costs are high
   • Technology will constantly have to be updated
   • Employees will require training to use the new technology
   • Maintenance costs will be high
   • Motivation problems - employees fear to be replaced by machines
   • Can lead to information overload - employees not reading e-mails