21. You have learned that there are seven inputs common to all technological systems. List these inputs and give an example for each one.

21. There are seven inputs that are common to all technological systems. These include people, materials, tools (machines), energy, information, finances, and time. People are the most important input to technological systems because it’s human needs and wants that give rise to the systems. Also, people are the consumers of technological outputs and they use the products and services that the systems provide. All natural matter that is directly or indirectly used by the systems is matter. Some material may lubricate machines, contain data, package and protect products and so on. Tools are the technical means that must be present before we have technology. They may be simple hand tools or complex machines. Energy is the ability to do work. All technological activities require energy which may be in a number of forms. Energy can go range from human muscle power to nuclear power. The world is full of data, information, and knowledge. Organized data is called information and is essential for operating all technological systems. Finances are the money and credit necessary for an economic system. For example, a technological artifact, such as a home, may be needed and the land and materials to build the structure must be purchased. Equipment must be rented or bought and workers must be hired to build the house. All of these actions require money; finance. Lastly, all jobs or activities take time. Each person has the same amount of time in a day. Their time is assigned to the various tasks that need to be done. Similarly, time must be allotted to all technological endeavors.

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The seven inputs common to all technological systems are:

1. People: People are the most important input to technological systems as they conceive, design, operate, and benefit from the systems. People's needs and wants give rise to the creation of technological systems.

Example: Engineers, designers, workers, and consumers are all people involved in technological systems.

2. Materials: All natural matter that is used directly or indirectly by technological systems. Materials can be in the form of raw materials, intermediary components, or finished products.

Example: Steel, wood, plastic, glass, and concrete are common materials used in construction.

3. Tools (Machines): Tools or machines are the technical means that are utilized in technological systems. They can range from simple hand tools to complex machinery and equipment.

Example: A lathe, computer, or 3D printer are tools used in manufacturing processes.

4. Energy: Energy is the ability to do work. All technological activities require energy, which can be derived from various sources such as fossil fuels, electricity, or renewable energy sources.

Example: Gasoline provides energy for a car, electricity powers household appliances, and solar panels generate energy from the sun.

5. Information: Information is organized data that is essential for operating technological systems. It includes knowledge, data, instructions, and feedback necessary for the functioning of the system.

Example: Technical drawings, manuals, specifications, and software programs are all forms of information used in technological systems.

6. Finances: Finances refer to the money and credit necessary for an economic system. It involves the capital required to fund the design, development, production, and operation of technological systems.

Example: Funding for research and development, loans for purchasing equipment, and investments in infrastructure are all examples of financial inputs in technological systems.

7. Time: Time is an essential input in all technological endeavors. It is the duration required to complete various tasks and processes within the system.

Example: Project timelines, production schedules, and delivery deadlines are all examples of time considerations in technological systems.

The seven inputs that are common to all technological systems are:

1. People: People are the most important input to technological systems as they create and use technology. They have needs and wants that give rise to the systems, and they are the consumers of technological outputs.

Example: In a manufacturing company, people are involved in the design, production, and marketing of products. They operate machines, manage processes, and interact with customers.

2. Materials: Materials refer to all the natural matter that is directly or indirectly used by technological systems. They can include raw materials, components, and finished products.

Example: In construction, materials such as wood, steel, concrete, and glass are used to build structures.

3. Tools (Machines): Tools are the technical means that must be present before technology can exist. They can be simple hand tools or complex machines.

Example: In a car manufacturing plant, machines such as robotic arms, welders, and assembly lines are used to build cars.

4. Energy: Energy is the ability to do work, and it is required for all technological activities. Energy can take various forms, from human muscle power to electricity and fuel.

Example: In a power plant, energy is used to generate electricity, which is then used to power homes, businesses, and technological devices.

5. Information: Information is organized data and is essential for operating technological systems. It includes data, knowledge, and facts that are used to make decisions and perform tasks.

Example: In a computer system, information is stored in databases and used to perform calculations, process data, and provide services.

6. Finances: Finances refer to the money and credit necessary for an economic system. It is required to purchase resources, pay for labor, and invest in technology.

Example: In a startup company, finances are used to fund research and development, purchase equipment, and hire employees.

7. Time: Time is a limited resource that needs to be allocated to tasks and activities. It is important for planning, scheduling, and completing technological endeavors.

Example: In a project management system, time is allocated to different tasks, milestones, and deadlines to ensure that the project is completed on time.

These seven inputs work together in technological systems to produce outputs and meet the needs and wants of individuals and society.