Technology in Operations (AQA A Level Business): Flashcards
Exam code: 7132
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How does technology improve the accuracy of stock records?
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Cards in this collection (39)
How does technology improve the accuracy of stock records?
It reduces the errors that come with manual stocktaking. This gives managers reliable information to base decisions on.
How does technology reduce the cost of holding excess inventory?
More accurate forecasting and monitoring help a business avoid over-ordering stock that ties up cash and storage space.
True or False?
A business that does not adopt inventory technology may fall behind rivals that do.
True.
Rivals using similar technology may operate more efficiently. Failing to adopt it can leave a business at a cost or service disadvantage.
Define RFID (radio-frequency identification).
RFID uses small electronic tags attached to products, which can be read automatically by scanners without each item being scanned by hand.
True or False?
RFID is cheaper to install than traditional barcode scanning.
False.
RFID tags and scanning equipment are more expensive to install than traditional barcodes, particularly for a large or complex range of products.
Define inventory management software.
Inventory management software is a computer system that records, tracks and reports on stock levels, locations and movements across a business, often in real time.
How can inventory management software help a business with several stores?
It can be linked across multiple sites, allowing a business to see and move stock between them as needed.
Define automated stock replenishment.
Automated stock replenishment means using software to automatically generate a new order with a supplier once stock of a product falls below a set level.
Automated stock replenishment can lead to __________ if the reorder level or forecasted demand is set incorrectly.
Automated stock replenishment can lead to overstocking if the reorder level or forecasted demand is set incorrectly.
Define warehouse automation.
Warehouse automation uses machinery, conveyor systems or robots to move, sort or store stock within a warehouse, reducing the need for manual handling.
Why might warehouse robotics create negative publicity for a business?
It may reduce the number of warehouse jobs available. This can affect staff morale and create negative publicity.
Define AI-powered demand forecasting.
AI-powered demand forecasting uses artificial intelligence to analyse data, such as past sales, seasonal trends or weather, to predict future customer demand more accurately.
True or False?
AI demand forecasting can reliably predict sudden, unpredictable events such as a supply shock.
False.
AI systems are trained mainly on past patterns, so sudden events may not be well anticipated. Forecasts are also only as good as the data used.
How does technology improve visibility across the supply chain?
Businesses can see where materials, inventory and deliveries are at every stage. This allows issues to be spotted and dealt with before they escalate.
How does technology speed up the flow of information in a supply chain?
Suppliers, businesses and customers can share data instantly instead of relying on phone calls, emails or paperwork. This reduces delays caused by human communication.
Better route planning, more accurate ordering and reduced ____________ all help cut unnecessary spending across the supply chain.
Better route planning, more accurate ordering and reduced administration all help cut unnecessary spending across the supply chain.
What do GPS tracking and telematics use to monitor goods in the supply chain?
They use satellite and sensor data to monitor the real-time location, speed and condition of vehicles, containers or shipments.
True or False?
GPS tracking can be less effective in remote areas or at sea.
True.
GPS tracking needs reliable network or satellite coverage, which can be limited in remote areas or at sea.
Define supply chain management software.
Supply chain management software integrates data from suppliers, production, inventory and distribution into a single system.
Why can supply chain management software be hard to use with many different suppliers?
All parts of the supply chain need to use compatible systems, which can be difficult to achieve.
Define blockchain.
Blockchain is a shared digital record system that securely stores information about a product's journey through the supply chain.
True or False?
Blockchain guarantees that the information recorded about a product is accurate.
False.
Blockchain only guarantees that data cannot be changed afterwards. It does not guarantee the accuracy of the data entered in the first place.
How does a tamper-proof product record help a business deal with contaminated food?
It helps the business quickly identify the source of the problem. It can then recall only the affected products rather than an entire batch.
Define AI-powered logistics tools.
AI-powered logistics tools use artificial intelligence to plan and adjust delivery routes, schedules or supply chain decisions automatically, based on large amounts of real-time data.
Which factors do route optimisation systems analyse?
They analyse factors such as traffic, weather, delivery windows and vehicle capacity.
Why does AI route planning need high-quality data?
Poor-quality data can lead to inefficient or unreliable routing, so the system only works effectively with accurate inputs.
Define automation.
Automation means using machinery, robotics or software to perform tasks that would otherwise be carried out by human workers, with little or no direct human involvement once it is set up.
Which kinds of tasks do businesses usually choose to automate?
Businesses automate tasks that are repetitive, predictable, physically demanding or require high precision.
True or False?
Automation refers only to advanced robotics and artificial intelligence.
False.
Automation ranges from simple mechanical processes, such as a conveyor belt, to advanced robotics and AI that can make decisions.
How do self-service checkouts reduce a supermarket's costs?
They reduce the number of staffed tills needed during quieter periods, which lowers wage costs.
In automated quality control, machine vision and _____ inspect products for faults far more quickly and consistently than a person.
In automated quality control, machine vision and sensors inspect products for faults far more quickly and consistently than a person.
How can the lower unit costs from automation improve competitiveness?
Lower unit costs allow a business to increase profit margins or offer lower prices than competitors that still rely on manual processes.
How can automation's improved consistency and quality help a business compete?
It helps build a stronger reputation with customers than competitors with less reliable manual processes.
How can automation help a business compete in the market for skilled labour?
It improves workplace safety by removing employees from repetitive, physically demanding or dangerous tasks.
True or False?
Automated systems can be costly or slow to reprogram if a business needs to change its product or process.
True.
Automation reduces flexibility. Changing what an automated system does can take time and money.
Why may automation be unaffordable for smaller businesses?
Automation requires a significant upfront investment in machinery, robotics or software.
A technical fault or _______ can halt automated production entirely, whereas a workforce can often adapt.
A technical fault or breakdown can halt automated production entirely, whereas a workforce can often adapt.
Why can automation create conflict with trade unions?
Automation can lead to job losses. This can also damage staff morale and harm a business's reputation.
Why does automation make a business dependent on specialist staff?
Specialist staff are needed to install, maintain and repair automated systems. This adds to ongoing costs.
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