}]]}]}]}] 31:T2b4a,

### Foundations of Technology in Operations - **Role of Technology:** Optimizing operational processes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, improving quality, and enabling innovation. - **Key Benefits:** - **Increased Efficiency:** Automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows. - **Improved Decision Making:** Data-driven insights from real-time information. - **Enhanced Quality:** Reducing human error, precise control over processes. - **Greater Agility:** Faster response to market changes and customer demands. - **Cost Reduction:** Lower labor costs, optimized resource utilization. - **Strategic Importance:** Technology is no longer just a support function but a core component of competitive operational strategy. ### Automation and Robotics - **Definition:** - **Automation:** Use of control systems and information technologies to reduce human intervention in processes. - **Robotics:** Use of programmable machines to perform tasks. - **Impact Areas:** - #### Manufacturing - **Robotic Process Automation (RPA):** Repetitive tasks, assembly lines, quality control. - **Collaborative Robots (Cobots):** Working alongside humans, enhancing safety and productivity. - **Increased Precision & Speed:** Faster production cycles, consistent product quality. - #### Logistics - **Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs):** Warehouse management, material handling, order fulfillment. - **Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS):** High-density storage, rapid retrieval. - **Drone Delivery:** Last-mile delivery, inventory checks. - #### Service Delivery - **Chatbots & Virtual Assistants:** Customer service, support, FAQs. - **Automated Queuing Systems:** Managing customer flow, reducing wait times. - **Robotic Cleaners/Servers:** Hospitality, retail. ### Supply Chain Management Technologies - **Goal:** Improving visibility, efficiency, and resilience across the entire supply chain. - **Key Technologies:** - **Blockchain:** Enhancing transparency, traceability, and security of transactions and goods. - **AI/ML for Demand Forecasting:** More accurate predictions, reducing overstocking/understocking. - **IoT Sensors:** Real-time tracking of goods, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity). - **Predictive Analytics:** Identifying potential disruptions, optimizing routes. - **Cloud-based SCM Platforms:** Centralized data, collaborative planning. - **Benefits:** Reduced lead times, optimized inventory, improved supplier relationships, enhanced risk management. ### Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems - **Definition:** Integrated software solutions that manage and integrate a company's core business processes (e.g., finance, HR, manufacturing, supply chain, services, procurement) into a single system. - **Key Functions:** - **Financial Management:** Accounting, budgeting, reporting. - **Human Resources:** Payroll, talent management, workforce planning. - **Manufacturing:** Production planning, scheduling, quality control. - **Supply Chain Management:** Inventory, logistics, procurement. - **Customer Relationship Management (CRM):** Sales, marketing, customer service. - **Benefits:** Centralized data, improved data accuracy, enhanced inter-departmental communication, streamlined operations, better reporting and analytics.