Automation at Workplaces ISC class 11 Business Studie Syllabus for the year 2023-2024

7.Automation at Workplaces Just

CHAPTER OUTLINE

7.1 Meaning and Definition of Mechanisation 7.2 Meaning and Definition of Automation

7.3 Distinction between Mechanisation and Automation

7.4 Evolution from Mechanisation to Automation

7.5 Merits and Demerits of Mechanisation 7.6 Merits and Demerits of Automation

7.7 Effects of Automation on People

• Summary

♦ Exercises

Question Bank

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Industrial Revolution led to the development of modern industry wherein goods are produced on a mass scale with the help of power driven machinery. Since than technological progress has been taking place continuously. Not only physical work but mental work is also being performed by automatic machines today. Information Technology is the new phenomenon and it is changing the way we live, and work.

7.1 MEANING AND DEFINITION OF MECHANISATION

Anything which reduces the human efforts is called a machine and when we substitute the human labour by machines, the process is called mechanisation. So mechanisation is said to be the process where machines are used to perform work which was earlier being done by human labour.

A lot of mechanisation has taken place in our daily lives which we do not usually notice but has made our life a lot easier. Replacement of 'charkha by more sophisticated spinning machines, substituting the traditional SilBatta by Mixer-Grinder, using flour mill in place of 'Chakki," substituting the bicycle with motorcycle, use of typewriter for typing in place of handwritten script etc. are few common examples of mechanisation which have made impact in our daily lives.

It has been found in many studies that the efficiency of a labourer is about 1%-5.5% while the efficiency of a machine is 20% or more. This implies that a machine can provide far greater amount of work than an average human worker can provide in the same time period. Mechanisation thus offers advantages in terms of time saving, speed up work, reduced human efforts or physical labour and uniform quality of work.

As every process has its pros and cons, mechanisation is no exception ie, it also offers from some disadvantages. These include increased cost due to requirement of huge capital, requirement of large working capital for proper maintenance and repairs, cost of training the labour for handling sophisticated machines and constant updation of machinery with rapid changes in technology.

Definition: "Mechanization is chiefly consists in either replacing or assisting or doing away gith both the animal and human labour farming mechanical wherever possible." -C. B. Memoria

Thus, Mechanization is the process of replacing or reducing humans or animals efforts with machinery. 7.2 MEANING AND DEFINITION OF AUTOMATION

Automation means the use of automatic machinery and equipment in place of hand tools and machines operated by workers.

Automation refers to automatic control of machinery and equipment. Under automation, processes and activities which were previously performed by a series of individually operated machines and tools are all combined together and performed by complex machine tools which are operated automatically.

Automation generally means the application of computers and communication technology to improve the productivity of knowledge workers. It involves the use of sophisticated electronic equipment and communication systems to carry out office work. The major functional components of an automated office include word processing, information storage and retrieval,

electronic mail, decision support system and computerised teleconferencing. Automation is a completely new way of perceiving the interaction between technology, people and functions. It requires interface between people, procedures and technology. The basic purpose of automation is to improve the management of information and productivity in the office. Office automation has completely changed the way people work and communicate in offices.

Definition: According to M.H. Arousan, "Automation is a substitution of mechanical hydraulic, electrical and electronic devices for human organs or decisions and efforts." Thus, it is a technique of using automatic machines, equipments, control system and technology is an organisation, to optimize productivity in the production of goods and services.

7.3 DISTINCTION BETWEEN MECHANISATION AND AUTOMATION Automation and mechanisation are often confused with each other but they are two diverse

processes. The main differences between mechanisation and automation are given below: 1. Meaning: Mechanisation means the process whereby machines and equipment are used in the office, factory, shop and other places to perform tasks which were performed manually by workers, clerks, assistants, etc. On the other hand, automation involves the entire process including bringing material to and from the mechanised equipment, integrating several operations and ensuring that the different pieces of equipment are interlinked with one another to ensure smooth operation. Many times, true automation requires revaluating and changing current processes rather than simply mechanising them.

2. Function: Mechanisation saves the use of human muscles, i.e. it displaces the human efforts and labour. Whereas automation saves the use of human judgement displacing the mental labour as well.

3. Nature of Work: Mechanisation refers to the replacement of human power with mechanical power of some form while automation is the replacement of human thinking with computers and machines. In other words, mechanisation involves application of chinery handle physical work whereas autotion involves application of an regulating machinery to perform brain work

4. Effect on Employment: Mechanisation does not affect comployment levels significantly as it only redisces the human efforts but workers are still needed to handle machines and tools. On the other lused, automation creates jobs for skilled workers at the cost of

unskilled and semi-skilled workers. It affects marry industries at the same time. 5. Stage in evolution: Mechanisation is the first stage in the evolution of technology But automation is the next stage to mechamsation in the evolution of technology For example, Battery driven nickshaws or E-rickshaws in place of human driven cycle rickshaw was the evolution traditional method to mechanisation and introduction of self-driven cats is the next stage leading to complete automation

6. Purpose Object: The primary object of mechanization is to increase productivity and also to reduce human efforts, while as the primary object of automation is to improve

the management of information and productivity in an organization. 7. Example: Use of typewriter in place of manual scripts is an example of mechanisation. On the other hand, use of robots to control machinery and equipment in a factory is an example of automation.

7.4 EVOLUTION FROM MECHANISATION TO AUTOMATION Journey from mechanization to automation is broadly divided into four stages namely (1)

Traditional stage. (2) Mechanization State. (3) Automation stage and (4) Futuristic stage. All these states are discussed below:

1. Traditional Stage

Before the advent of the Industrial Revolution, most people resided in small, rural communities

where their daily existence revolved around farming. Life for the average person was difficult.

as incomes were meagre, and malnourishment and diseases were common. People produced the

bulk of their own food, clothing, furniture and tools. Most manufacturing was done in homes

or small, rural shops, using hand tools or simple machines. The produce was in this case, thus,

limited.

2. Mechanisation Stage

It was when the Industrial Revolution dawned upon that machines took over what was previously done manually. Industrialisation marked a shift towards factories, special purpose machines and mass production. The textile industry was transformed by industrialisation. There was huge development in the iron industry as well. Both iron and steel became essential

materials, used to make everything from appliances, tools and machines, to ships, buildings and

infrastructures. The agricultural sector was also revolutionised. Cows and bulls were replaced by tractors and harvesters. Water sprinklers and motors replaced hand pumps for irrigation. Farmers started

using fertilizers and manures to improve the of yield. There were advancements in transportation sector, communication sector, banking sector. pharmaceutical sector and much more. Industrial revolution affected every aspect of human existence.

3. Automation Stage

As discussed earlier, mechanisation makes use of both machine and labour whereas automation eradicates human involvement leaving the machine to do the job. The world is now moving towards the automation stage and has started to rely on machines more than human effort.

The food retail industry has started to apply automation to the ordering process. Many giant restaurants have introduced touch screen ordering and payment systems, reducing the need for cashier employees. Mobile applications are now being used to place an order and pay for them using the device. Online shopping could be considered a form of automated retail as the payment and checkout

are through an automated online transaction processing system. Automated teller machines are being employed by banks to accept and dispense cash to their depositors. These days even cheques are accepted using automated machines, thereby reducing

human deployment.

4. Futuristic Stage

With the growing advancements in technology everyday, more and more work will be taken over by the machines and only the supervision will remain in the hands of the human civilization For example, automated tractors and harvesters are seen to be the future of agriculture where the tractors and harvesters can be deployed at any time of the day to work. The tractors and harvesters will no longer require a farmer to drive them. GPS and satellite technologies will be used to identify the most fertile area of the land, what plants to grow, when to harvest and when to plough the field, everything will be done using machines. Driverless cars, railways and airplanes, factories and offices run by robots etc. are all expected to take over the next stage of automation

7.5 MERITS AND DEMERITS OF MECHANISATION Mechanisation, like every process also have some advantages and disadvantages.

Merits of Mechanisation

The mechanisation of office work provides the following benefits.

1. Low Operating Costs: Labor and time saving machines are used in an office. The office work performed through labour-saving devices is done at a greater speed than the

same work done by clerk. Therefore, the wage bill may be reduced and produce more work. 2. Accuracy: Human beings may commit more number of errors knowingly and unknowingly. However, the mechanisation prevents such clerical errors and omissions. It

is seen that not only speedy work is possible, but also greater accuracy with more economy. 3. High Efficiency: All the work can be performed with short period. In this way, the

machines are utilised to increase the efficiency of operations. 4. Standardisation of Work: The work of office routines and procedures can be standardised with the help of mechanisation facilities. The standardisation leads to uniformity and better coordination of work.

5. Effective Control: More information can be supplied quickly to management. The management also exercises effective control. Thus, the chances of fraud are minimised. 6. Quality of Work: The work performed with the help of machine is generally more neal and legible than the work completed by hand. Therefore, the using of machines ensures the quality of work.

7. Job Satisfaction: Mechanisation system use an organisation gives a better environment to the employees as work leads to Job satisfaction among them.

Demerits of Mechanisation

The mechanisation suffers from a number of drawbacks. They are presented below. 1. Heavy Investment: The initial cost of a machine is high. If number of machines purchased is greater, there is a need of making herry investment by the mil

2. Waste An idle thing is a waste. This wastage is water if 3. Retrenchment Problem Adoption of certain machines will me employees If so, the management will face such po 4. Obsolescence: Some machines may become obsolete win short period tradiment of No Power No Work Most of the machines are operated with the help of power. Ther is no possibility of doing work during the period of power cut or power failure

6. Affects Urgent Work: The employees will be lazy after the mechanisation of office

work. The performance of serpent work is affected during the period of break down

machines 7.6 MERITS AND DEMERITS OF AUTOMATION

Automation provides a misture of potential benefits and potential lizards. In order to maximi the benefits and avoid the hazards, technology should be carefully selected and integrated with the people.

Merits of Automation

YRAMMUS

Office automation can offer the following advantages.

1. Higher Productivity: Automation can help to increase efficiency in office operations manifold. Computers, e-mail, Internet and other automatic devices, process and communicate data at a very high speed. In fact automation seeks to be the only solution to the problem of low productivity in offices.

2. Better Quality of Work: Automatic machines produce more neat and legible work than clerks. Automation helps to improve accuracy of work by minimising clerical errors and omissions.

3. Low Operating Costs: Automatic machines save time and labour in performing office

functions. Therefore, automation helps to reduce costs of operations.

4. Job Satisfaction: Automation reduces the monotony and boredom involved in routine and repetitive clerical work. Therefore, the quality of work life is improved and office

staff feel more satisfied.

5. Effective Control: With the help of automation, office routines and procedures can be standardised to ensure uniformity of operations. More effective control can be exercised

over office activities.

Demerits of Automation

Automation suffers from the following disadvantages.

1. Heavy Investment: Considerable amount of capital is required to install computers,

communication technology, etc. A small office cannot afford such investment. 2. Maintenance Cost: Costs of operating and maintaining sophisticated computers, etc. are quite high. Specially trained staff is required to handle automatic equipment. There

is risk of equipment becoming obsolete due to rapid advancements in technology. 3. Opposition by Unions: Trade unions often resist automation due to fear of unemployment. Automation is likely to wipe away 4 out of every 10 jobs by 2021 at the lowest level.

7.7 EFFECTS OF AUTOMATION ON PEOPLE

There has been a controversy the effects of automation on workers. Some experts believe that automation eventually helps to improve the efficiency of workers. They argue that

automation makes jobs more pleasant and work environment more comfortable by miducing

physical labour and monotonous clerical work em the part of workers. On the other hand, ether experts contend that automation may displace as well as displease werkers It reduces the number of workers required to perform a given amouns of work. For example, one computer can do the work of five to ten clerks. When office work is computerised scope for individual initiative and judgement is eliminated. Work becomes machine-paced and

worker becomes an adjunct to the machine

This, however, not true. Jobs are being increasingly computercoed all over the world. Computers and other devices of automation have led to greater convenience, neatness, spood and efficiency in work. Automation and introduction of machines by itself does not dehuman organisations. If the management of an organisation applies a participative style of leadership and recognises dignity of individual, the automation will not displease labour. Rapid computerisation and automation of office operations is enough proof of the fact that automation, if carried out and managed properly, will not only contribute to higher efficiency but also increase happiness of workers.

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SUMMARY

Mechanisation: The process of using machines in place of human labour,

Automation: The process of using devices that perform brain work. Distinction: Meaning. Function, Nature of work, Effect on employment, purpose stages in evolution, example.

Evolution: Four main stages - Traditional stage, mechanisation stage, automation stage and a futuristic stage.

Merits of Mechanisation: Low Operating Costs, Accuracy, High Efficiency, Standardization of Work, Effective Control, Quality of Work. Job Satisfaction.

Demerits of Mechanisation: Heavy Investment, Waste, Retrenchment Problem, Obsolescence, No Power No

Work, Affects Urgent Work

Merits of Higher Productivity, Better Quality, Lower Cost, Job Satisfaction, Effective Control.

Demerits of Automation: Heavy Investment, Maintenance Cost, Opposition by Unions, Monotony and

Boredom.

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EXERCISES

1. Multiple Choice Questions (Select the best alternative)

1. Which of the following is not considered as stage of evolution from mechanisation to automation? (d) Computer

(a) Traditional state (b) Mechanisation stage (c) Automation stage

2. Which of the following is not a advantage of Mechanisation stage?

(a) Low operating cost 3. Which of the following

(b) Efficiency

is not a demerit of Mechanisation stage?

(c) Effective control

(d) Use of computer

(a) Heavy Investment (b) Quality of work (c) Retrenchment problem (d) Obsolescence

4. Which of the following is a merit of Automation? (a) Low operating cost

(c) Both (a) and (b) above

(b) Higher productivity

(d) None of (a) or (b) above

5. The main objective of adopting automation is to: (a) Optimize productivity in the production of goods and delivery of services

(b) Replacement of human labour in an organization

(c) Both (a) and (b) above

(d) Neither (a) nor (b) above

Automatic control of al Production

machinery and equipment culled 00 Displacement

(al Automation (b) Mechanisation 7. The process whereby machines and prement are used in office, Production

(b) Evolution of manual scripts

factory, shop etc called (d) Animation

(c) Automation

&

The first stage in the

evolution of technology is called

(6) Displacement

(a) Mechanisation

9. Use of typewriter in place

is an example of (c) Automation

(d) Displacement

(a) Mechanisation

10 (a) Mechanisation

The textile industry was

transformed by (b) Evolution

(c) Automation

(d) Displacement

11. Mechanisation makes use of

(c) Industrialisation

(d) Production

(b) Evolution

(a) Machine Online shopping

(6) Labour

(b) Only retai considered as a form of

(b) Quality of work

12.

can be

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) None of these

(a) Automated retail

13.

Identify merits of mechanisation

(c) Dispense machine (d) Human deployment

(a) Accuracy

14. The initial cost of a machine is

(c) High efficiency

(d) All of the above

(a) High

(b) Low

15. Adoption of certain machines will lead to (a) Retrenchment of employees

(c) Constant

(d) Affordable

(b) Effective control (d) Heavy burden

(c) Smooth Production 16. Automation can offer the following advantage(s)

(a) Low operating costs 17. Rapid computerisation

(b) Higher Productivity is enough proof of

(c) Effective control

(d) All of the above

(a) Mechanisation

(b) Automation

(c) Good Prot

(d) Better Business

18. Trade unions often (a) Mechanisation

resist automation due to fear of (b) Production

(c) Unemployment

(d) Employment

19. Automation is the extension of (a) Mechanisation (b) Revolution

(c) Production

(d) Management

20. Which of the following is not demerits of automation? (a) Heavy investment (b) Maintenance cost (c)

Opposition

by Unions 8. (a)

(d) Effective control 9. (a) 10. (c)

Ans. 1. (d)

2. (d) 3.

(b)

4. (c)

5. (a)

6. (c)

7. (b)

11. (c) 12. (a)

13 (d)

14. (a)

15. (a)

16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (d)

I. Fill in the blanks.

1. The process where machines are used to perform work which was earlier being done by human labour is known

2. Replacing manual cars with self driven cars is an example of 3. E-rickshaws in place of human driven cycle rickshaw is an example of

More work will be taken over by the machines and only the supervision will remain in the hands of human

civilisation. This will happen in 5. Mechanisation will help in, as it leads to uniformity and better coordination of work

stage

Ans. 1. Mechanisation

2. automation

3. mechanisation

4. futuristic

5. standardisation

II. Short Answer Type Questions

1. What do you understand by Mechanisation? 2. What is the concept of Mechanisation?

3. What is meant by Automation? 4. What is the concept of Automation?

IV. Long Answer Type Questions 1. Explain and distinguish between mechanisation and automation

2. Discuss the merits and demerits of mechanisation

3. Discuss the merits and demerits of automation

4. Write note on the evolution from mechanization to automation 5. What do you mean by automation? Discuss the advantages of automation

6. Write notes on

(a) Evolution from mechanisation to automation.

(b) Effects of automation on people.

QUESTION BANK

1. Very Short Answer Questions

1. What do you mean by Mechanization?

Ans. Mechanisation is the process of replacing the use of human labour at work place with machines

2. What is automation?

Ans. Automation is referred as the technique of using automatic machines, equipments, control system etc. in an

organization.

3. Name the various stages of evolution from Mechanisation to Automation.

Ans. There are mainly four stages of evolution from mechanisation to Automation namely, Traditional, Mechanisation,

Automation and Futuristic stage

4. Name the two advantages of Automation.

Ans. Better Productivity and Control

5. Name any two disadvantage of automation.

Ans. Heavy investment and Maintenance cost.

II. Short Answer Questions

1. "Mechanisation led to the Machine Age". Comment.

Ans. Before the Industrial Revolution people did work with hands to create things which they needed. Food, clothing

shelter, etc. all were made by people themselves with their hands. Mechanisation changed the scene as machines were developed for every day-to-day activity. The stone age gave way to the machine age.

2. "Automation is an extension of mechanisation". Elucidate. Ans. Under Mechanisation physical work is taken over by machines. Automation (discovery of automatic machinery)

leads to the taking over of brain work by such machines. Therefore, automation is an extension of mechanisation

3. "The digitalisation is ushering as another major change in workplace automation." Explain.

Ans. In order to reduce use of cash in payment, Digital India Movement has launched. Paytm, E-wallet, BHIM

SBI Buddy and other modes of e-payment are ushering in a new era in the evolution of automation

4. Distinguish between Mechanisation and Automation on any two basis.

Ans.

Mechanisation

(1) It deals with machines operated by

human labour.

(2) Its primary objective is to increase

productivity and reduce human efforts. 5. Name the two merits and demerits of Automation.

Automation

(1) It deals with use of automated machines

in the organisation.

(2) Its primary objective is to improve the management of

Information and productivity in an organization.

(2) Better Quality of work

Ans. Merits of Automation (1) Higher productivity and -

. Long Answer Questions

1. What is the effect of automation on people?

Ans. There has been a controversy regarding the effects of automation on workers Some expert that auto sation helps to improve the efficiency of workers. They argue that automation mark pleasant and work environment more comfortable by reducing physical labour and monotonous@erical work on the part & worker

On the other hand, other experts contend that automation may displace as well as displease workers. It reduces

the number of workers required to perform a given amount of work. For example, one computer can do the

work of five to ten clerks. When office work is computerised, scope for individual initiative and judgements

becomes machine-paced and worker becomes an adjunct to the machine

This, however, is not true. Jobs are being increasingly computerised all over the world Computers and other

devices of automation have led to greater convenience, neatness, speed and efficiency in work. Automation and

introduction of machines by itself does not dehumanise organisations. If the management of an organisation applies a participative style of leadership and recognises dignity of individual, the automation will not displease labour. Rapid computerisation and automation of office operations is enough proof of the fact that automation, If carried out and managed properly, will not only contribute to higher efficiency but also increase happiness of workers 2. What do you mean by Automation? Give any two advantages of automation,

Ans. Automation means the use of automatic machinery and equipment in place of hand tools and machines operated

by workers.

Automation refers to automatic control of machinery and equipment. Under automation, processes and activities

which were previously performed by a series of individually operated machines and tools are all combined

together and performed by complex machine tools which are operated automatically. Automation generally means application of computers and communication technology to improve the productivity of knowledge workers. It involves the use of sophisticated electronic equipment and communication systems to carry out office work. The major functional components of an automated office include word processing, information storage and retrieval, electronic mail, decision support system and computerised teleconferencing.

Automation is a completely new way of perceiving the interaction between technology, people and functions. It requires interface between people, procedures and technology. The basic purpose of automation is to improve the management of information and productivity in the office. Office automation has completely changed the way people work communicate in offices. Advantages of Automation are:

1. Higher Productivity: Automation can help to increase efficiency in office operations manifold. Computers,

e-mail, Internet and other automatic devices, process and communicate data at a very high speed. In fact

automation seeks to be the only solution to the problem of low productivity in offices.

2. Better Quality of Work: Automatic machines produce more neat and legible work than clerks. Automation helps to improve accuracy of work by clerical errors and omissions.

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