0 . Analyze and Optimize You realize that the "Hyperscope" is incredibly expensive to produce because it hogs the machines. To lower costs, you don't just "cut spending"; you focus on making the machine grinding process for the Hyperscope more efficient. CADDi +7 Common Cost Drivers by Category Identifying the right driver is key. Here are standard examples used across industries: Category Examples of Cost Drivers Production Machine hours, number of setups, units produced Logistics Miles driven, number of deliveries, number of material purchases Customer Service Number of calls taken, number of product returns Administration Number of employees (headcount), square footage occupied Why This Matters Precision: Traditional accounting might split costs evenly, making high-effort products look more profitable than they are. Eliminating Waste: You can identify "non-value-added" drivers—like the cost of repainting blemishes—and target them for removal. Better Pricing: Knowing the exact cost of activities allows you to set prices that guarantee a profit. Corporate Finance Institute +4 Would you like to see how to perform a
| Activity | Resource Cost Driver | Total Annual Cost | |----------|----------------------|-------------------| | Machine operation | Machine hours | $1,000,000 | | Setup | Setup hours | $600,000 | | Quality inspection | Inspection hours | $500,000 | | Material handling | Number of material moves | $300,000 | | | | $2,400,000 | cost driver analysis example
Now, TechBoard must match the right driver to the right cost pool. CADDi +7 Common Cost Drivers by Category Identifying
TechBoard has been underpricing Product B, effectively subsidizing the cost of the custom boards with profits from the standard boards. Better Pricing: Knowing the exact cost of activities