Technology Components Overview

Technology Components

• Product technology focuses on the design features of a product to optimize performance (function, use, handling, reliability, quality, etc.).
• Process technology provides the means to create and deliver products, using methods, techniques, machines, and resources to meet specified product features.

Product Technology Examples

• Touchscreen displays: allow direct interaction with on-screen elements, enabling intuitive and seamless user experiences.
• Wireless charging: enables devices to be charged without physical wires, increasing convenience and reducing clutter.
• Fingerprint sensors: provide secure and convenient biometric authentication for device access.
• Voice recognition: allows hands-free operation and natural language interaction with products and services.

Process Technology Examples

• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Tools: perform metal-cutting and forming operations controlled by a computer.
• Robots: automatic position-controlled multi-function manipulators capable of handling materials, parts, tools, and devices using variable programmed motions.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): small, independently powered vehicles used to transport materials between different production stages.
• Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs): computer-controlled workstations connected by automated material handling and machine loading, enabling semi-independent operation.
• Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): a manufacturing approach using computers to monitor and control the entire production process.

Technology Embodiment Forms

• Technoware: the physical embodiment of technology, including equipment, tools, devices, machinery, and structures.
• Humanware: the skills, knowledge, ideas, and problem-solving capacities of people, necessary to operate and utilize technology.
• Orgaware: the organizational frameworks and operational technologies used to manage and control a company.
• Infoware: technical plans and information for operations and maintenance, including manuals, data sheets, and documents.

Technology S-Curve

• Ferment phase: the beginning of innovation where the product/industry is new; most resources spent on R&D; competition is low. (e.g., Driverless car, 5G)
• Takeoff phase: the dominant design is established; rapid growth in production; product quickly reaches full market acceptance. (e.g., Electric car, 4G)
• Maturity phase: the product is completely adopted by society; resources spent on improving production processes; products are standardized; incremental innovations. (e.g., Hybrid car, 3G)
• Discontinuity phase: new innovations occur as a new S-Curve pattern rises; a previous product mature; opportunity for new product for innovators; new life cycle; disruption. (e.g., Digital cameras, Gasoline cars, GPRS)

Mechanical vs. Electronic Calculators

• By the 1950s, mechanical calculators reached technological maturity.
• Integrated circuits represented a later breakthrough, making electronic calculators better and cheaper, displacing mechanical calculators by the early 1970s.

Telecommunications Industry S-Curve

• The telecommunications industry's S-curve shows the evolution of technologies like 1G to 4G, measuring technical progress in Kbps and resources invested through the years.

Technology Life Cycle

• The Technology Life Cycle (TLC) describes the costs and profits of a product from technological development to market maturity and eventual decline.
• The life cycle affects product offerings and processes within the entire company.

Research and Development (R&D)

• Initial R&D is typically negative, with high chances of failure and often funded by the company as revenues are low.
• Feedback from industry experts is essential to improve technology to industry standards and give it an edge.

Technology Ascent Phase

• Focusing on commercialization and demonstration.
• A better marketing strategy is needed.
• Time to recover out-of-pocket costs.
• Leverage the competitive advantage through rapid growth and distribution.

Maturity Phase

• High gains and stable revenues, but also a point of saturation.
• Competitors catch up with developed technology.
• Revenues may slow or drop.

Decline Phase

• Inevitable decrease in sales and the emergence of new technologies.
• Need to move out of old technology and invest in new.

Example: Nokia Technology Life Cycle

• Nokia was the dominant cell phone maker in the early 2000s, but the release of Apple's iOS and Google's Android led to its decline following innovation.