BTEC IT L2 Unit 2 Lesson 5 - Development in Tech Systems

​BTEC IT Unit 2: Tech Systems

Lesson 5: Developing Tech systems​

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​Recap questions

Multiple Choice

What does RSI stand for?

• Receive Server Interface

• Restricted Secure Interface

• Repetitive Sensor Input

• Repetitive Strain Injury

Multiple Choice

What type of device is a scanner?

• Output

• Input

• Storage

• Process

Multiple Choice

Computer Aided D.....

• Distraction

• Designation

• Design

• Documentation

Multiple Choice

Computer Aided M.....

• Manufacturing

• Material

• Management

• Media

Multiple Choice

What type of device is a game controller?

• Storage

• Input

• Output

• Multifunctional

​Developing technology systems

Tech systems are constantly being improved, and it is important for organisations are kept up-to-date and consistent in their developments.

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• Competitive Advantage

• Reduced Costs

• Improved Performance​

​These key drivers for upgrading are about making the organisation more money. This can be achieved by attracting more customers, reducing costs or speeding up the processes. The upgrades may be a short-term cost, but long-term gain.

​Competitive Advantage

An organisation can gain an advantage over their competitors by developing its tech systems.

• Making products faster in larger quantities

• Offering what the competitors cannot.

• Making use of internet technology

• Add extra features

• Reduce costs​

• More convenient & faster for consumers​

​Competitive Advantage Example

Example 1:

A car manufacturer may use robots on a production line to create cars, which allows them to mass produce more cars faster. If their competitor is hand-assembled, the process is much slower and labour intensive - meaning less cars to sell, and they would be more expensive for the consumer. A business using an automated system may gain competitive advantage over other, more traditional businesses.

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Example 2:

Chip Shops are notorious ​for being cash only - or they were. Despite card & contactless payments being around for a while, Chip Shops only took cash. Until recently. Chip shops that now accept cards/contactless payments have gained an advantage over their competitors that are still cash only, as most people no longer carry cash, and consumers want convenience. Some are now also on Takeaway apps, like JustEat & Deliveroo - making them available for more consumers and delivery.

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​Reduced Costs

Improving technology can make a process in a business cheaper. This can mean lower operating costs and higher profits.

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• Needing less staff​ to operate. For example:

  • self-checkouts mean fewer cashiers required

  • Robot production lines mean fewer labourers

  • Navigation systems in lorries mean fast & accurate routes, saving on fuel and no need for a "lorry mate". Also means quicker deliveries and fewer delivery drivers needed.

• Quicker and cheaper to create products

• An increase of business profits​ allows for the business to grow

• Growth allows for a competitive advantage​

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​Improved Performance

Developing technology can improve the performance of the business, so it can function more efficiently.

• Daily activities are easier and faster

• Operations are more efficient

• Improved staff morale - happier, better job satisfaction & lower staff turnover (we all like it when stuff actually works) ​

• The more efficient the business is, the better the performance​

• Gives them a competitors edge - for employees & consumers

• Reduces costs (especially long-term)

• Collaborative and VoIP systems - less travelling, staff can work from home etc

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Multiple Choice

Match reasons for developing technology. Competitive advantage:

• Providing a better service than a similar company

• Spending less on raw materials

• Finding more competitors

• Lowering profits and revenue

Multiple Choice

Match reasons for developing technology. Reduce costs:

• Providing a better service than a similar company

• Spending less on raw materials

• Finding more competitors

• Lowering profits and revenue

Multiple Choice

Which one of these is NOT a typical reason for developing technology?

• Reduced revenue

• Improved performance

• Reduced costs

• Competitive advantage

Multiple Choice

Match the reasons for developing technology with the example reasons. Improved Performance:

• Improving user interface of software to make it easier to use

• Improving delivery routes which requires less petrol in the vehicles

• Improving the product so it have more functionality for the same price

• To reduce profits and revenue

Multiple Choice

Match the reasons for developing technology with the example reasons. Competitive advantage:

• Improving user interface of software to make it easier to use

• Improving delivery routes which requires less petrol in the vehicles

• Improving the product so it have more functionality for the same price

• To reduce profits and revenue

Multiple Choice

Match the reasons for developing technology with the example reasons. Reduced costs:

• Improving user interface of software to make it easier to use

• Improving delivery routes which requires less petrol in the vehicles

• Improving the product so it have more functionality for the same price

• To reduce profits and revenue

Multiple Choice

If a business implemented a new payment method before their rivals that made it easier for customers to purchase their products, what would this be an example of?

• Improved Performance

• Happier Staff

• Reduced Costs

• Competitive Advantage

Multiple Choice

If a business installed touch screens on tills at a fast food restaurant, what would this be an example of?

• Improved Performance

• Happier Staff

• Reduced Costs

• Competitive Advantage

Multiple Choice

What is the drawback of implementing robots on a car manufacturing line?

• Reduced costs

• Staff losing jobs

• Improved performance

• Higher profits

Open Ended

If a business can reduce staff by implementing a new technology system, but the technology system would initially cost more than their staff’s wages, would they do it? What are the pros and cons of the business doing so?

​Improved Performance - Task

Research and Create a small leaflet:​

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Example business: Product design business that designs and manufactures products and content for pop culture (films, TV Shows, anime, games etc). They create 3D Models & Replicas, Apparel (T-shirts, hoodies etc), posters, comics and other collectable items.

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How and why would using old, outdated technology systems ​negatively impact the business? Why should they upgrade?

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What are the benefits of upgrading? What benefits are there to sticking with the older tech?​

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