The Impact of Technology on Production

Exam code: 7115

Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Technology and production

New technology is revolutionising flexibility in design and production
Two examples of this are
- The use of computer aided design (CAD)
- The use of 3D Printers

The use of computers in design has transformed production by making it faster, more flexible, and more precise, helping businesses bring better products to market more efficiently

Improved accuracy
- CAD reduces human error in measurements and design
Faster design process
- Designers can create, modify, and test product designs more quickly
Easy modifications
- Designs can be adjusted or duplicated with minimal effort
3D modelling and visualisation
- Allows realistic previews of the final product, helping businesses test ideas before physical production
Better collaboration
- CAD files can be shared digitally across teams, even globally

Leads to faster product development
Makes customisation of products easier
Improves communication between design and manufacturing teams, especially when paired with CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)

Digital designs are uploaded and the printer produces the product with minimal labour costs
Digital printers have been used to print car engines, houses, food and more

Impact	Explanation
Cost	Traditional manufacturing processes require expensive tooling and machinery This is a significant upfront cost for small businesses 3D printing reduces the cost of manufacturing as there is no need for expensive tooling
Productivity	With traditional manufacturing, there are often long lead times for tooling and set-up This can delay production 3D printing allows quick production with minimal lead times New products are brought to market faster Changing customer tastes can be catered to
Quality	Traditional manufacturing may find it difficult to produce complex or intricate designs 3D printing allows for precise and accurate production of complex shapes and designs, resulting in higher quality products
Flexibility	Traditional manufacturing makes customisation to meet specific needs of customers difficult 3D printing allows for small production runs, which reduces the costs of a specific job production