Final answer:
Automation refers to the implementation of labor-saving machinery and changes in workflow that reduce the need for manual labor, which is a. true. It increases efficiency and is often adopted as labor costs rise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Automation indeed refers to changes in production processes that result from the introduction of labor-saving machinery and changes in material handling and workflow. This reduces the need for manual labor and can increase efficiency in manufacturing and other industries. Automation applies to a wide range of job types, including bookkeeping, clerical work, and repetitive tasks on production lines. Consider, for instance, the advent of self-scan checkout aisles in supermarkets, a clear example of automation taking the place of repetitive cashier jobs.
As the cost of labor increases, companies are more likely to adopt production technologies that leverage automation. This typically involves substituting manual labor with machinery, hence firms transition from using labor-intensive production technology to more machinery-dependent ones, reducing the total cost and potentially increasing productivity.