1. How organisations use ICT – Part 1
(a) Control Systems

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!)