Option B: Smart Inventory
| Website: | Hamburg Open Online University |
| Kurs: | Ethics by Design |
| Buch: | Option B: Smart Inventory |
| Gedruckt von: | Gast |
| Datum: | Sonntag, 22. Dezember 2024, 12:11 |
1. Introduction: Smart Inventory
Introduction: Smart Inventory
Together with BrewGenius, the café is implementing the Smart Inventory system, an AI-driven solution that automates the entire inventory management process. The system tracks stock levels in real time, analyses sales trends and predicts when supplies need to be replenished.
By automating the ordering process, Smart Inventory ensures that the café is always well stocked with essential ingredients and products, reducing waste and preventing stock-outs. The AI communicates directly with suppliers to place orders based on its predictions, streamlining operations and minimising human error.
2. Ethical Analysis: Job Redundancy and Economic Impact
Ethical Analysis: Job Redundancy and Economic Impact
The implementation of Smart Inventory, while improving efficiency, could lead to the redundancy of workers in inventory management roles. This raises ethical questions about the café's responsibility to the workers affected. Economically, the café may benefit from reduced labour costs and improved operational efficiency, but this benefit comes at the expense of a human employee's livelihood.
The immediate economic benefit must be weighed against the long-term consequences of increased unemployment, which can have a negative impact on local economies and increase reliance on social welfare systems.
3. Ethical Analysis: Social Sustainability
Ethical Analysis: Social Sustainability
From a social sustainability perspective, the displacement of workers due to automation can exacerbate inequalities and social tensions. If certain demographic groups are disproportionately affected by job losses, this can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement and resentment towards the café and the wider economy.
This dynamic can fuel political polarisation as communities react against perceived threats from automation, leading to social unrest and a breakdown in trust between companies and their employees. To mitigate these risks, the café should consider implementing retraining programmes or offering support to affected employees, thereby demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and the well-being of the community.