Final answer:
The statement is FALSE; ERP systems help managers budget for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing costs, and can be customized to cater to a wide range of industries and types of costs, including the value of technology over materials in products like computers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that computer-based systems, like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), help managers budget for all manufacturing costs but lack the ability to help managers budget for non-manufacturing costs is FALSE. ERP systems are sophisticated and comprehensive software packages that are designed to manage not only manufacturing costs but also a wide array of other business functions, which includes non-manufacturing costs. These systems are able to handle budgeting, financial forecasting, and financial reporting among many other functions.
It is important to recognize that the costs involved in producing various goods and services, such as cars, computer software, haircuts, or fast-food meals, are quite diverse. However, ERP systems are equipped to handle this diversity by allowing businesses to customize the software for their industry-specific needs, ensuring that both manufacturing and non-manufacturing costs are considered effectively in their budgeting processes.
Indeed, for technology-oriented products like computers, the value of intellectual property and design can far exceed the value of physical materials used for manufacturing. ERP systems allow for the accounting of such intangible assets, ensuring a comprehensive financial planning tool that supports a variety of costing needs.