Industrial Technology Issues

Industrial Technology issues

Organizational structure: this refers to the hierarchy and authority structure within a business which informs employees of their position within the workplace and tasks they are obliged to do in their position throughout the business.

Quality Assurance testing: this refers to determining the quality of the product. This can be conducted through random sampling of the product through production or an overall check on every product at the conclusion of each stage of production.

Competitive advantage: this is the business’ stance within the market they are categorized under with the product being produced. Gaining competitive advantage means the business is in the lead within the market which creates more money coming in as it is recognized as the best product available within the field. Advantage is established when the business makes sure they provide a product within a non crowded market, appropriate advertising is used to gain attention. Competitive advantage is essential for the business so it is ahead of all other business’ it is competing against.

Specialization: Specialization allows for work to be on one focus. Having specialized tasks ensure employees become experts on what they are working on because of their constant work on it. The business itself can gain a reputation in the field of being known as specializing in the particular product and becoming experts in knowledge, practice and construction.

Automation: replacing human perception and judge with machines, which are also computer controlled. This almost eradicates humans from the workplace limiting job positions. There is high initial start up costs, high costs for maintenance but allows for constant work as machines don’t require breaks or leave which allows for consistency in production. Machines replace all human work productivity and does all processing etc.

Emerging Technologies: There are continual advances occurring within the multimedia industry. This emergence of new technologies gives an industry/business greater choice, improved quality and efficiency. Emerging technologies are advances within an area which allows for further improvement and knowledge and a new development for both the business and the worker.

Re-training and multi skilling are two very important skills and practices for an employee. Multi skilled employees are said to be able to perform several tasks throughout their working environment, with appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to work it. The allow for a more flexible and widely covered working environment, Being multi skilled means the employee is capable to work in several areas which helps when an employee is absent and they can fill in or to help other employees when in trouble or learning about the equipment or area. Employees who are multi skilled are entitled to a higher wage which is a result of their varied and often substantial work load which would require knowledge in all areas, which is a result of extensive training.

Retraining is when workers are taken to be re-trained in an area, it can be a new area or an already known one but requires re-training because of technological advances within the industry. Re-training can be done at work by an inside or outside person or they can be done at places such as TAFE and business that train employees on new technologies and introduced developments. Re-training may sometimes be costly issues as the employee is absent from work for a period of time and the training costs the business money for the employee to attend or to bring someone in. Re-training also opens the employee to become multiskilled, to further develop their knowledge on their business or productions.

Multiskilled employees are of more value as they add flexibility and easy management to the business and are competent in all areas without needing instruction or are unaware of what to do. They are more employable as they have been educated in a variety of areas therefore can adapt to a workplace quicker and it takes less time to train them in a new workplace if working with familiar equipment

Occupation Health and Safety ins in place to provide a safe working environment for employees free from danger to their health as well as their well-being. The government has established such acts as the OH&S Act 2002 to provide safe working conditions.

OH&S guarantees safety through such things as signage, practices and aid. Signage is used throughout the workplace and is a visual representation of workplace practices to make certain procedures and carried out safely. The signs are internationally recognized so all people understand them. Some examples of signage are showing employees the correct way to handle or pick up objects, to maintain cleanliness, to wear appropriate safety gear etc. They allow for constant informant and a reminder to employees in all aspects of the business and practices to ensure safety is persistently carried out, if appropriate signage is not available then the business is liable to fines.

OH&S is available for training so that employees and appropriately trained in all required areas so that only capable employees are working. Training is held by government so that OH&S standards are met.

Such training for employees also includes some employees to be trained and qualified in first aid so that one or two people who are qualified are always on site to treat any injuries that may occur. This is a necessity so if injury does occur proper treatment can be provided immediately which maintains the workers safety and that there is no delay when aid is required. Fines also apply if such requirements are not met as it not only means employees are at risk but so to are other people who may enter the building.

Training courses are also provided for all employees to refresh them on proper procedures in the case of an emergency as well as to keep human errors to a minimum if all employees are aware and constantly informed of proper safety procedures instilled by the OH&S Act 2002.