e-Consult | Revision Qns

1.

Question 2: Consider a scenario where a manufacturing company is deciding whether to invest in automated production lines for a specific product. Identify and explain at least four key factors the company should consider when making this decision. Present your answer in a structured format, such as a table.

The company should consider the following factors:

Factor	Explanation
Initial Investment Cost	The cost of purchasing, installing, and commissioning the automated production line. This includes machinery, software, and infrastructure.
Production Volume & Demand Forecast	The expected quantity of the product to be manufactured. Automation is most cost-effective for high-volume production. Accurate demand forecasting is crucial.
Operating Costs	Ongoing costs such as energy, maintenance, and labour (for supervision and repair). Automation can reduce labour costs but increase energy consumption.
Product Complexity & Design Flexibility	How complex is the product to manufacture? How easily can the production line be adapted to changes in design or product variations? Automation is less flexible for complex or rapidly changing products.

These factors need to be carefully weighed against the potential benefits of automation, such as increased efficiency, improved quality, and reduced labour costs. A cost-benefit analysis is essential.

2.

Evaluate the role of technology in facilitating the integration of service sectors within a design and manufacturing business. Consider examples of technologies that can improve communication, data management, and process efficiency across the entire value chain. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of adopting these technologies.

Technology plays a vital role in enabling the seamless integration of service sectors. Several technologies can facilitate communication, data management, and process efficiency:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems: ERP systems integrate all aspects of the business, from design and development to manufacturing, marketing, and customer service. This provides a single source of information and improves coordination across departments.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems: CRM systems enable companies to track customer interactions, manage sales leads, and provide personalized customer service. This improves customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems: SCM systems optimize the flow of goods and information throughout the supply chain. This improves efficiency and reduces costs.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems: PLM systems manage all aspects of the product lifecycle, from design and development to manufacturing and disposal. This improves collaboration and reduces errors.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices can be used to monitor the performance of products in the field and provide real-time data for maintenance and repair.

Cloud Computing: Cloud-based platforms enable remote access to data and applications, facilitating collaboration and flexibility.

Benefits of adopting these technologies:

Improved communication and collaboration: Technology facilitates real-time communication and information sharing across departments.

Enhanced data management: Technology provides a centralized repository for all business data, improving data accuracy and accessibility.

Increased efficiency: Technology automates tasks and streamlines processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Better decision-making: Technology provides access to real-time data and analytics, enabling better informed decision-making.

Drawbacks of adopting these technologies:

High initial investment costs: Implementing new technologies can be expensive.

Integration challenges: Integrating different systems can be complex and time-consuming.

Security risks: Technology can be vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Training requirements: Employees need to be trained on how to use new technologies.

3.

Question 3: Consider the impact of additive manufacturing (AM) – also known as 3D printing – on the roles of designers, manufacturers, and retailers. Discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by this technology, and how it is changing the way products are conceived, produced, and distributed.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is fundamentally altering the product lifecycle, impacting designers, manufacturers, and retailers in significant ways. Designers now have greater freedom to create complex geometries and customized products that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive to produce. AM allows for rapid prototyping and iterative design, accelerating the development process. Designers can also directly produce functional parts, bypassing traditional manufacturing steps.

Manufacturers are benefiting from AM through increased flexibility, reduced tooling costs, and the ability to produce low-volume, customized products on demand. This is particularly advantageous for niche markets and personalized products. AM also enables distributed manufacturing, where production can be brought closer to the point of consumption, reducing transportation costs and lead times. However, challenges include material limitations (although expanding), scalability issues for mass production, and the need for skilled AM operators.

Retailers are leveraging AM to offer personalized products, create on-demand inventory, and improve supply chain resilience. Retailers can offer customized products tailored to individual customer preferences, reducing waste and increasing customer satisfaction. AM enables retailers to produce goods locally, reducing reliance on global supply chains and mitigating the risk of disruptions. However, retailers face challenges related to quality control, cost optimization, and ensuring consistent product quality across different AM processes. Furthermore, the ethical implications of on-demand manufacturing, such as potential job displacement, need to be considered.

In summary, AM is democratizing manufacturing, empowering designers and manufacturers to create and produce products more efficiently and sustainably. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of AM are substantial, and it is likely to play an increasingly important role in the future of product development and distribution.

Industrial practices (3)