1. Unit 2 Technology Systems
BTEC First Diploma in Information and Creative Technology

2. Unit Introduction
This unit looks at how the main building blocks of technology systems work, from a laptop computer and routers relaying internet traffic, to logging in to a social networking site.
You will explore the common hardware components of technology systems, as well as the software.

3. Learning aims
Understand how the components of technology systems work together.
Understand how data flows between internal components of a computer and is processed to provide information.
Understand different types of software.

4. Computer and technology systems
Understand the concepts:
A computer is a machine that processes digital data
A technology system is the complete collection of components – hardware, software, peripherals, power supplies, communication links – which make up a single computer installation.

5. Activity Components of technology systems
On the sheet provided, explain what the following components are and provide examples :
hardware, software, peripherals, power supplies, communication links, computer installation.

6. Uses in different sectors
Technology systems are used by most organisations in every type of sector for many different purposes.
Depending on the type of organisation, they may use their technology systems to store information, keep accounts, plan, draw, do calculations, send , access the internet or produce documents.
What do you use technology for?
Create a list of all the uses

7. Activity Construction sector Finance sector Health sector
Manufacturing sector
Retail sector
For each of these sectors explain what technology systems they use.

8. Activity Construction sector – use technology systems to:
Plan projects, create architect drawings (using CAD), track spending
Finance sector –
Follow the prices of stocks and shares, calculate the effects of interest rates on loans and savings
Health sector –
Scan patients, life support systems to monitor heart beats & breathing, etc.
Manufacturing sector –
Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturer (CAD/CAM) to design parts for production and to control robots and other machines on the production line.
Retail sector –
Point of sales systems (PoS) track sales at till, automatically update stock records and produce reports. Use of internet to advertise and sell products.

9. Retail sector
Technology is used in supermarkets to reduce costs and improve the speed at which customers get served.
It can help to reduce costs by allowing stores to keep less stock in store and reduce the number of staff.
There has been an increase in the number of self-service checkouts in supermarkets.

10. Activity Research self-service checkouts in supermarkets.
Find a diagram of a supermarket self-service checkout and label it to identify the ways the inputs and outputs are used.
Review the system and list some of the drawbacks.
Suggest improvements of these systems

11. Manufacturing sector Use of robotics in manufacturing

12. Activity Investigate CAD and CAM systems
Explain what they are and how they are used.
Find an organisations that used robotics in manufacturing, explain who the organisation is, what the robots are used for and list the advantages and disadvantages of using robots.

13. Ford

14. Amazon Use of robotics The future?
The future?

15. Issues involved in the use of technology systems
Think about environmental issues.
Write down what you think some of the environmental issues are concerning the use of technology systems.
Feedback your answers to the board.

16. Environmental issues
Technology systems can be good for the planet and help sustainability by reducing the need for travel.
Video conferencing enables people from different locations around the world to meet.
What does sustainability mean?
Find a definition
What are the advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing?

17. Check! In groups, answer the following:
Give 3 examples of the uses of technology systems in different sectors.
What are the environmental benefits and drawbacks of using technology?