Current Technology Factors (SQA National 5 Business Management): Revision Note

Exam code: X810 75

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

The importance of technology

  • Technology is a key internal factor that shapes how businesses operate

    • Organisations that invest in modern systems often gain efficiency, improve communication and deliver better customer service

    • Those that fail to keep up risk losing their competitive edge

The impact of technology

Technology

Impact

Specialist software

  • Helps businesses manage complex tasks, from financial accounts to supply chain monitoring

  • Using up-to-date software can reduce errors and save time

Hardware

  • Reliable computers, servers and mobile devices allow faster processing and smoother communication

  • Outdated hardware slows productivity and frustrates staff

Social media and apps

  • Provide low-cost ways to market products, connect with customers, and gather feedback

  • Businesses that ignore online engagement often miss out on large markets

E-commerce platforms

  • Allow customers to browse and buy 24/7

  • Businesses without online sales options lose potential revenue to digital competitors

Video conferencing

  • Reduce travel costs and save time by letting staff meet virtually with colleagues, suppliers, or clients anywhere in the world

Automation and robotics

  • Common in production, warehouses, and even retail, such as self-checkouts

  • They reduce errors and speed up output but require high investment

Artificial intelligence (AI)

  • Used for chatbots, data analysis, and forecasting

  • AI can personalise customer service and automate repetitive jobs, but raises ethical and training issues

Cloud computing

  • Lets employees share files, work collaboratively, and access data securely from multiple locations

  • These tools support hybrid and remote working

Cybersecurity systems

  • Essential for protecting customer data and company information

  • Businesses that neglect security risk losing trust and facing legal consequences

Case Study

Logo for Lochside Crafts featuring a sailboat on water with mountains in the background, surrounded by colourful flowers and leaves.

Lochside Crafts, a family-owned gift shop near Loch Lomond, decided to expand online to attract tourists year-round.

  • The business invested in an e-commerce website and a mobile app so customers could order handmade goods from anywhere in the world.

  • Staff began using cloud-based inventory software to track stock and reduce waste.

  • Social media campaigns helped the shop reach new customers in North America and Europe, boosting international sales.

  • However, limited in-house IT skills meant Lochside Crafts initially struggled to maintain the website, leading to delays and some unhappy customers. They later hired a part-time digital manager to fix these issues.

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

Reviewer: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.