CAD
Computer Aided Design. The design process of a good is carried out by a computer programme. Two and three dimensional images can be produced as well as drawings of individual parts of the design. These can be rotated so that all parts of the design can be seen.
This speeds up design and allows for more sophisticated designs. This should reduce costs and therefore prices. It does remove the need for some traditional skills and can result in job losses and re-training needs. It also means that design is dependent upon machines not breaking down.
CAM
Computer Aided Manufacture. The manufacture of a good is carried out by a computer programme. The design and production processes are linked. The link is the CNC – Computer Numerical Control – machine which takes in designs and produces them.
EPOS
Electronic Point of Sales. This is a retail development which involves bar
codes being used to read price and alter stock levels automatically at check
outs. It speeds up the process considerably and therefore reduces queues.