Over the years technological advances have shaped not only our cultural landscape but the way in which we do business. As a result of technology, businesses can run more efficiently, lower their production costs and as a result give us more affordable products in the long run.
Manufacturing is derived from the word “Manu” which literally means using your hands but today the manufacturing process is largely as a result of industrial robots which automate work. Although robots are unable to make decisions and deal with creative tasks, when the job is right for a robot, productivity dramatically increases.
Dating back to the Industrial Revolution in Europe, technology was widely used across the manufacturing industries. The cotton gin was created in order to increase productivity and mills used machines to manufacture cloth from cotton. These mills also had an effect on the transportation system of the local area as better waterways were then built to transport the goods. This helped the factories increase their output and as a result their profit.
Today, technology has benefitted the manufacturing industry as the introduction of robots on assembly lines have allowed heavy goods to be created quickly and efficiently. In today’s society when we talk about manufacturing and business output this isn’t just limited to factories anymore. It’s important to think of manufacturing as an activity rather than a sector, as manufacturing activities are widely applicable across a range of industry sectors.
The increased use of computers has impacted greatly on office work. Specialised computer programs can make office life easier. A company can increase their efficiency and output through using email as it allows quick and instant communication across a range of departments and branches of a business. The development of smart phones has meant that people can work remotely from home and work longer hours, increasing output however blurring the lines between work and home life.
Within retail mass production using machinery and automated systems allows retailers to buy products such as DVD’s, phones and MP3 players cheaply due to low manufacturing costs. They can then increase the prices before they reach the customer increasing their profit margin.
Companies are starting to use computer aided design software and this has streamlined the manufacturing and production process. 3d printing in particular has revolutionised the manufacturing process. By using a CAD drawing, materials are then layered onto the printer and built upon to create a 3d object of the CAD drawing. This new wave of technology is said to make it easier to produce goods as they can literally be printed. The medical industry is also said to benefit as even blood vessels and bone structure can be replicated and reprinted for surgery.
Technology has came a long way over the years and is set to continue to develop, thus having an impact on manufacturing. Revolutionary technology will no doubt revolutionise manufacturing as the two now run alongside each other. This may potentially mean in the future cheaper phones, computers and electronic devices.
This article was brought to you by Techniswage who provide a range of manufacturing processes vital for technological development including tube forming. www.Techniswage.co.uk
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