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What role does ICT play in the business?
Complex equipment and production processes benefit from computer technology to help monitor and control production. Images: Courtesy of Degussa AG. Copyright held by Degussa AG. Given the complex nature of the business and the type of products manufactured, ICT plays a very large part in the whole production process. Virtually every aspect of the manufacturing process will incorporate some form of computerised system to monitor, activate, and control activity. Computers are also used in the planning phase of product development to model chemical reactions and to aid the design process. The main way in which many employees will come into contact with ICT is through the Business Management System (BMS). The BMS has a number of areas:
All staff have access to this system. It contains a wide range of information for staff and provides the opportunity to exchange information and data quickly. This will include details of the budgeted figures for aspects of production through to actual performance. This, in turn, is linked to a bonus payment system. The site manager can also send messages to all staff to give advice and information that helps to keep costs down and improve efficiency. Ultimately, everyone benefits from this drive to efficiency as bonus payments are linked to the savings in fixed costs. Actual costs can vary from budgeted costs when, for example, unexpected events such as plant failure occur or if process changes are required to production. Process changes lead to 'downtime' in manufacturing and there is, therefore, no revenue being generated. Production planning with existing and new business is very important to help reduce downtime to a minimum and improve efficiency. The IT systems can contribute to this process. |
