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A comment on Japan auto companies triple Mexican pay rather than move to US. Parent comment

Re:Japan auto companies triple Mexican pay rather than move ... by austincheney on Wednesday July 01, 2020 @10:39PM (#23709386)
Automation in almost every case costs substantially more, but frequently results in a lower cost per unit. Comparing variable numbers is algebra but this is a calculus problem.
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Re:Japan auto companies triple Mexican pay rather than move ... by AnthonyMouse on Wednesday July 01, 2020 @11:42PM (#23709753)
> Automation in almost every case costs substantially more, but frequently results in a lower cost per unit.

Which is why you amortize the up-front cost over the expected number of units adjusted for time value of money. In which case the automation often still results in lower overall costs.

> Comparing variable numbers is algebra but this is a calculus problem.

Calculus still leads to comparing numbers. Businesses know how to do calculus.

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Re:Japan auto companies triple Mexican pay rather than move ... by austincheney on Thursday July 02, 2020 @12:02AM (#23709878)
Algebra results in numbers. Calculus results in functions. Businesses that plan well know when not to invest in automation changes.
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