Impact of new technology in the primary sector

The primary sector involves extracting raw materials, such as through farming or mining. Advances in technology have transformed operations in this sector by boosting efficiency and output while reducing reliance on manual labour.

Technological advances in agriculture

• Machinery like tractors, mechanical harvesters, grain-drying equipment, and automated feeding systems has greatly increased productivity levels.
• These innovations have led to smaller workforces on farms, as fewer people are needed for tasks that machines now handle.
• Chemical treatments and pesticides have raised crop yields by protecting plants from damage.
• Developments in biological science have created plants that resist diseases more effectively.

Genetically modified crops

Genetically modified (GM) crops involve adding beneficial genes from other organisms to plants to enhance their qualities.

Development and applications:

• Originally created to make crops less vulnerable to pests and illnesses.
• Recent versions focus on improving nutritional aspects, such as grains with more protein, root vegetables with higher vitamin levels, or healthier oils from seeds.
• In the United States, a large proportion of key crops are GM, including 88% of maize, 93% of soya beans, 94% of cottonseed, and 75% of papaya from Hawaii.

Use of drones in farming

Applications of drones in agriculture:

• They assist in overseeing water usage and spotting disease outbreaks.
• Help in creating effective strategies for planting.
• Enable monitoring of crop growth across large areas.

Technological improvements in mining

• Advanced cutting tools enhance productivity while improving worker safety and health standards.
• New methods cut down on energy, water, and chemical use during extraction.
• These technologies can boost the recovery of valuable materials by up to 25%.

Impact of new technology in the secondary sector

The secondary sector focuses on manufacturing and construction, where technology has shifted production towards greater use of machinery over human labour, making processes more efficient and adaptable.

Shift to capital-intensive production

• Manufacturing now relies more heavily on equipment rather than workers.
• Modern tools are versatile, advanced, and highly effective in boosting output.

Robots in manufacturing

Robots consist of mechanical arms that follow computer-programmed commands, commonly used for tasks like welding, putting together parts, and moving components.

Categories of robots:

• Material handling robots - Move items around within production sites.
• Processing operations robots - Carry out targeted jobs using specialised attachments.
• Assembly line robots - Handle individual tasks, including checking quality.

Advantages and disadvantages:

• Advantages include managing repetitive or hazardous jobs, high precision, steady performance, and round-the-clock operation.
• However, they can lead to fewer jobs, require substantial upfront investment, and result in more uniform products.

Computer aided design

Computer aided design (CAD) involves using software to create product blueprints.

Benefits of CAD:

• Generates precise illustrations that can be viewed in three dimensions.
• Allows for rapid changes to designs.
• Enables virtual testing, removing the need for physical models.
• Helps evaluate different options to find the most effective design.

Computer numerically controlled machines

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines execute tasks based on computer inputs, such as cutting, milling, drilling, welding, sewing, or printing.

Advantages of CNC machines:

• Create shapes with speed and accuracy.
• Minimise material waste and the need for corrections by avoiding mistakes.
• Some incorporate coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to confirm that products meet exact standards.

Computer aided manufacturing

Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) connects computers to oversee both the design and creation of goods.

Benefits of CAM:

• Streamlines production by automating links between design and manufacturing stages.
• Supports planning, oversight, transport, and storage activities.
• Reduces waste through precise material usage and lower energy consumption.

Computer integrated manufacturing

Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) uses computers to manage the full production cycle.

Features of CIM:

• Connects various business functions, including design, planning, purchasing, accounting, and inventory management, with on-site operations.
• Offers complete oversight and control of processes.
• Limits human involvement to supervision, monitoring, and upkeep.

Impact of new technology in the tertiary sector

The tertiary sector provides services and has traditionally depended on direct human interaction. However, recent technological developments have changed how services are delivered, making them faster and more accessible.

Transformations in financial services

• Online platforms allow banking anytime, with features like automated teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock and mobile apps for transferring funds.
• Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) has decreased the need for physical cash.

Changes in marketing and advertising

• Information technology (IT) simplifies and reduces the cost of market research, with online tools making data gathering more straightforward.
• Advertising benefits from enhanced film techniques and special effects, alongside digital promotion through websites and the internet.

Developments in retailing

• Electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems capture sales information instantly.
• Barcode scanners, whether operated by staff or customers at self-service points, speed up transactions.
• Automated systems handle stock levels and reorder supplies without manual input.

Advances in leisure and business administration

• Online systems enable easy reservations for holidays, events, and travel, including digital boarding passes that cut down on paperwork.
• In administration, computers automate everyday tasks, manage databases, and facilitate immediate global communication.

E-commerce

E-commerce uses digital platforms for trading goods and services.

Types of e-commerce:

• Business to consumer (B2C) - Involves selling directly to individuals, such as digital files or delivered items (also known as e-tailing).
• Business to business (B2B) - Covers online transactions between companies.

Global online retail sales expanded from $1,319 billion in 2014 to $2,489 billion in 2018.

Costs and benefits of new technology

Introducing new technology brings both advantages and drawbacks for businesses, affecting efficiency, workforce, and finances.

Benefits of adopting new technology

• Leads to innovative products, offering greater variety to customers.
• Boosts productivity and cuts production expenses.
• Decreases resource wastage.
• Enhances safety and health conditions for employees.
• Simplifies tasks for staff.
• Improves communication within and outside the organisation.

Costs of adopting new technology

• Involves significant expenses for buying, setting up, and upkeep.
• Failures in technology can result in costly downtime.
• May lead to redundancies, causing upset and disputes among workers.
• Requires training for current employees to adapt.
• Can lower morale for those who remain.
• Reduces adaptability in operations.

Balancing considerations for technology adoption

Businesses must weigh various factors when deciding on technology investments to ensure long-term viability.

Key factors in technology decisions