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How organisations use ICT – Part 1. (a) Control Systems. Control systems. Are made up of software and hardware that controls other equipment. They can be "dedicated" systems that perform a set of pre-programmed instructions,
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How organisations use ICT – Part 1 (a) Control Systems
Control systems • Are made up of software and hardware that controls other equipment. • They can be • "dedicated" systems that perform a set of pre-programmed instructions, • or computer controlled ("dynamic") systems that react to input from sensors • Most control systems use feedback loops to tell them how to behave. This is when information from a sensor (e.g. temperature sensor) is used to decide how to use an output device (e.g. heater). • The output device will have some sort of effect on the next reading from the sensor - e.g. switching on the heater will raise the temperature at the temperature sensor.
Control Systems: Robots • A robot is an automated piece of equipment designed to carry out routine repetitive tasks. • They can usually be re-programmed to perform a number of different tasks, for example, spraying different shaped car parts with paint. • Robots are cheaper to operate than paying people wages, but are very expensive to buy. • Robots do not get tired or make mistakes, and can carry out tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans to do - e.g. travel to Mars! • Robots are great (unless you're after a job!) but unfortunately they cannot deal with situations that they have not been programmed for. Robots can learn new tasks in two main ways.
Control Systems: EPOS • EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale. • This is a general name for the computerised tills that you see in shops and supermarkets. • EFTPOS stands for Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale. • This is where customers can pay for goods using credit or debit cards.
How an EPOS system works • A product's bar code is scanned by a laser scanner on the till. • The computer system finds the current price in its database. • The price is sent back to the till which adds it to the current sale. • The till prints an itemised receipt. • The computer reduces the recorded stock by one. • If an item's stock falls below a pre-set "reorder level", an order for more stock is sent to the warehouse or supplier. • EPOS systems can be linked to loyalty card databases or analysis software to help shops predict trends in sales and more effectively order items in the future.
Summary • Control Systems are software and hardware that controls other equipment. • Most are dedicated or dynamic and use feedback loops. • Robots are great at carrying out routine repetitive tasks and are as flexible as their programming and hardware allows. • Robots learn in two main ways: teach-and-learn or learn-by-example (a bit like school kids!) • EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) and EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) systems play a major role in the retail world. • EPOS systems allow quick payment and careful monitoring of stock and sale patterns that improve profitability and customer satisfaction (apparently!)