← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Disadvantage: cost to buy, install and maintain

Automated systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain because they need sensors, microprocessors, actuators and skilled technicians.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.1 Automated Systems — Module 39

Understanding Disadvantage: cost to buy, install and maintain in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The start-up cost adds up the hardware and the installation work needed before the system runs. When the cost is more than a small business or farm can spend, the system is not affordable. An automated system needs sensors, a microprocessor and actuators, so the cost of buying the equipment is high. Maintenance and repairs are an ongoing cost. Technicians with special skills are needed to fix faults. Staff need training to operate, monitor and maintain the system. Training takes time and money. Maintenance, repairs and updates keep costing money after the system is installed. A good answer says what is expensive and gives a reason, such as the equipment and skilled technicians needed.

Common mistakes: The total start-up cost is the purchase price PLUS the installation cost. It should be total <- purchase + install. Each of the 20 sensors costs 150, so the cost is found by multiplying. It should be cost <- sensors * 150.

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Learning

Duo

Which statement about the start-up cost of an automated system is correct?

It is cheap because the computer does all the work for freeIt is expensive because sensors, microprocessors and actuators must all be bought

Matches

Once an automated system is installed, it costs nothing more to run.

↓

Automated systems need ongoing maintenance and repairs by skilled technicians, so they still cost money after installation.

Applying

Meanings

Term

Cost of automation

Meaning

Automated systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain because they need sensors, microprocessors, actuators and skilled technicians.

Practice

sensorCost ← 200

Testing

Gaps

totalCost = buy + install +

Check Answer

Spots

2install <- 12000

3total <- purchase - install

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Quick Questions

1. Which statement about the start-up cost of an automated system is correct?

A. It is expensive because sensors, microprocessors and actuators must all be bought ✓

B. It is cheap because the computer does all the work for free

An automated system needs sensors, a microprocessor and actuators, so the cost of buying the equipment is high.

2. Which cost is part of installing an automated system?

A. Paying the sensors a wage each month

B. Paying skilled technicians to fit and set up the equipment ✓

Installing the system needs skilled technicians. Sensors are machines and do not get a wage.

3. A factory's robot arm develops a fault. What is the cost issue?

A. Repairs need a skilled technician and can be expensive ✓

B. Repairs are always free because the system fixes itself

Maintenance and repairs are an ongoing cost. Technicians with special skills are needed to fix faults.

4. Which is a disadvantage of automation linked to staff training?

A. Workers never need any training because the system is automatic

B. Workers must be trained to use and look after the new system, which costs money ✓

Staff need training to operate, monitor and maintain the system. Training takes time and money.

5. Why might a small farm struggle to use an automated irrigation system?

A. The high start-up cost may be too much for a small farm to afford ✓

B. Small farms are not allowed to use sensors

Small businesses and farms often have limited money, so buying and installing sensors and equipment may be unaffordable.

Match the Pairs

Cost of automation → Automated systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain because they need sensors, microprocessors, actuators and skilled technicians.

Maintenance and repairs → Sensors, microprocessors and actuators must be checked and fixed by skilled technicians, which adds running costs after the system is installed.

A high start-up cost: buying and installing the sensors, microprocessors and actuators needs a lot of money before the system can be used. → Cost to buy and install = sensors + microprocessors + actuators + installation

Small businesses and small farms may not be able to afford an automated system, so they cannot gain its benefits. → IF cost > budget THEN not affordable

Once an automated system is installed, it costs nothing more to run. → Automated systems need ongoing maintenance and repairs by skilled technicians, so they still cost money after installation.

Staff need no training because the system does all the work. → Staff still need training to operate, monitor and look after the system, and this training costs money and time.

Key Term

Cost of automation

Automated systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain because they need sensors, microprocessors, actuators and skilled technicians.

Fill in the Blanks

1. totalCost = buy + install + maintain

Hint: Type the variable for the ongoing cost of upkeep and repairs.

2. IF totalCost > budget THEN OUTPUT "Costly"

Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks if the cost is greater than the budget.

3. parts = sensors + microprocessor + actuators

Hint: Type the component that processes sensor data and is part of the costly hardware.

4. trainCost = staff * fee

Hint: Type the arithmetic operator that multiplies the number of staff by the training fee.

5. IF smallFarm AND cost > budget THEN OUTPUT "Cannot afford" ENDIF

Hint: Type the logical operator that needs both conditions to be true.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A purchase <- 50000

B install <- 12000

C total <- purchase - install

D OUTPUT total

Line C — The total start-up cost is the purchase price PLUS the installation cost. It should be total <- purchase + install.

Question 2

A sensors <- 20

B cost <- sensors + 150

C OUTPUT cost

Line B — Each of the 20 sensors costs 150, so the cost is found by multiplying. It should be cost <- sensors * 150.

Question 3

A INPUT cost, budget

B IF cost > budget

C OUTPUT 'Too expensive'

D ENDIF

Line B — An IF statement must end the condition with THEN. It should be IF cost > budget THEN.

Question 4

A staff <- 8

B fee <- 250

C total <- staff * fee

D OUTPUT fee

Line D — The program should show the total staff training cost, not the fee for one person. It should be OUTPUT total.

Question 5

A total <- 50000

B FOR year <- 1 TO 5

C total <- 2000

D NEXT year

E OUTPUT total

Line C — Maintenance must be added to the running total each year. Setting total to 2000 wipes out the purchase cost. It should be total <- total + 2000.

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