13 Industrial Practices

Content

• The range of service sectors in design and manufacturing industries, including:

– extraction of raw materials

– design and development

– manufacturing

– marketing and sales

– repair and maintenance.

• The roles of a designer, manufacturer and consumer.

• The roles of different workers within a manufacturing industry.

• The production processes used in a manufacturing industry.

• The advantages/disadvantages of hand and automated production systems used in manufacturing

products.

• How technology-based systems are used by designers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

• How digital technology is used in the design and development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of

products.

How technology-based systems are used by designers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

This means students need to understand and apply your knowledge of digital and automated systems across the entire product lifecycle. You should not just know what these technologies are, but also how they impact each stage of a product's journey, from concept to disposal.

🧑‍💻 For Designers

You are expected to learn how designers use technology to create and develop products. This includes:

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Creating 2D drawings and 3D models with software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or SketchUp. This allows for quick modifications and easy sharing.

• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Using the digital designs to control automated machinery, such as CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers, for rapid prototyping and production.

• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Using these systems to create virtual prototypes and showrooms, allowing designers to visualize products in real-world settings without having to build a physical model.

• Data Analysis: Collecting and analyzing user data (e.g., from online surveys or product usage) to inform and improve designs.

🏭 For Manufacturers

You must understand the role of technology in large-scale production. This includes:

• Automated Production: The use of robotics and automated assembly lines to increase efficiency, precision, and consistency in manufacturing.

• Quality Control (QC): Using sensors, cameras, and automated systems to perform precise checks on products as they are being made, ensuring they meet quality standards.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Using integrated software systems to manage and track all aspects of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to final products. This helps optimize production schedules and reduce waste.

• Just-in-Time (JIT) Manufacturing: Using technology to coordinate with suppliers and ensure materials arrive just as they are needed, reducing the need for large, expensive storage facilities.

🛒 For Retailers

You should know how technology-based systems impact the selling and distribution of products:

• E-commerce: Using online platforms and digital payment systems to sell products directly to consumers, expanding the market beyond physical stores.

• Inventory Management Systems: Using technology like RFID tags and barcode scanners to track stock levels in real-time, preventing stockouts and overstocking.

• Supply Chain Logistics: Employing software and GPS tracking to manage the movement of goods from the factory to the warehouse and finally to the customer.

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Using digital terminals to process transactions, track sales data, and manage customer loyalty programs.

📱 For Consumers

You should be aware of how technology shapes the consumer's experience and choices:

• Online Shopping: Using websites and mobile apps to browse, compare, and purchase products from anywhere in the world.

• Personalization: Receiving tailored product recommendations based on past purchases and browsing history, often powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

• Smart Products: Interacting with products that have embedded technology, like smart speakers, smart home devices, or wearables, which provide new features and experiences.

• Digital Communication: Using online reviews, social media, and forums to give feedback on products, influencing future designs and purchasing decisions.