Companion Computer Company should buy carrying cases instead of manufacturing. Buying saves $8.92 per unit compared to making, considering direct materials, labor, and variable factory overhead costs.
The information provided indicates the cost analysis for Companion Computer Company in deciding whether to make or buy carrying cases for its portable computers. Below is the differential analysis:
- Direct materials per unit: $25.00
- Direct labor per unit: $16.00
- Variable factory overhead per unit: $6.08 (15% of direct labor)
- Fixed factory overhead per unit: $0.00 (fixed costs do not change)
- Total unit costs: $47.08
Now, let's compare the costs for making and buying:
- Make Carrying Case (Alternative 1):
- Direct materials: $25.00
- Direct labor: $16.00
- Variable factory overhead: $6.08
- Fixed factory overhead: $0.00
- Total unit cost: $47.08
- Buy Carrying Case (Alternative 2):
- Purchase price: $56.00
- Total unit cost: $56.00
Differential Effects:
- Direct materials: $56.00 (Buy) - $25.00 (Make) = -$31.00
- Direct labor: $0.00 (Buy) - $16.00 (Make) = $16.00
- Variable factory overhead: $0.00 (Buy) - $6.08 (Make) = $6.08
- Fixed factory overhead: $0.00 (Buy) - $0.00 (Make) = $0.00
- Total Differential Cost: -$8.92 (indicating a cost savings if the company continues to buy)
Based on the differential analysis, it appears more cost-effective for Companion Computer Company to continue purchasing the carrying cases rather than manufacturing them. The total cost saving per unit is $8.92.