Western Auto Parts Company manufactures replacement parts for automobile repair. The company recently installed a flexible manufacturing system, which has significantly changed the production process. The installation of the new FMS was not anticipated when the current year's budget and cost structure were developed. The installation of the new equipment was hastened by several major breakdowns in the company's old production machinery.

The new equipment was very expensive, but management expects it to cut the labor time required by a substantial amount. Management also expects the new equipment to allow a reduction in direct material waste. On the negative side, the FMS requires a more highly skilled labor force to operate it than the company's old equipment.

The following cost variance report was prepared for the month of May, the first full month after the equipment was installed.

Required: 

Comment on the possible interactions between the variances listed in the report. Which ones are likely to have been caused by the purchase of the new production equipment? The company budgets and applies manufacturing overhead on the basis of direct-labor hours.

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Direct material: Standard cost Actual cost Direct-material price variance. WESTERN AUTO PARTS COMPANY Cost Variance Report For the Month of May $301,225 299,350 75 U* (continues)