How to Use Standard Costs and Variance Analysis to Improve Your Business Performance
Standard costs and variance analysis are two important tools that can help you manage your business more effectively and efficiently. In this blog, we will explain what they are, how they work, and how they can help you improve your business performance.
What are standard costs and variance analysis?
Standard costs are the predetermined or expected costs of producing a product or service. They are based on various factors, such as the quantity and quality of materials, labor, and overheads required for production. Standard costs are used as a benchmark or a target to compare with the actual costs incurred.
Variance analysis is the process of calculating and analyzing the differences or variances between the standard costs and the actual costs. Variances can be favorable or unfavorable, depending on whether the actual costs are lower or higher than the standard costs. Variance analysis can help you identify the causes and sources of the variances, as well as the areas where you can improve your efficiency and profitability.
How to use standard costs and variance analysis to improve your business performance?
Standard costs and variance analysis can help you improve your business performance in several ways, such as:
Setting realistic and attainable goals
Standard costs can help you set realistic and attainable goals for your production process, such as the optimal level of output, quality, and cost. By comparing your actual performance with your standard costs, you can measure how well you are achieving your goals and where you need to improve.
Controlling and reducing costs
Variance analysis can help you control and reduce your costs by identifying the areas where you are spending more or less than expected. For example, if you have a material price variance, it means that you are paying more or less for your materials than what you planned. You can then investigate the reasons for this variance and take corrective actions, such as negotiating better prices with your suppliers, switching to cheaper or better-quality materials, or reducing waste.
Improving efficiency and productivity
Variance analysis can also help you improve your efficiency and productivity by identifying the areas where you are using more or less resources than expected. For example, if you have a labor efficiency variance, it means that you are using more or less labor hours than what you planned. You can then investigate the reasons for this variance and take corrective actions, such as training your workers, improving your work methods, or adjusting your work schedules.
Enhancing quality and customer satisfaction
Variance analysis can also help you enhance your quality and customer satisfaction by identifying the areas where you are meeting or exceeding your quality standards or customer expectations. For example, if you have a sales volume variance, it means that you are selling more or less units than what you planned. You can then investigate the reasons for this variance and take corrective actions, such as improving your marketing strategies, offering discounts or incentives, or expanding your market.
As you can see, standard costs and variance analysis can help you improve your business performance by providing you with valuable information and feedback on your production process. By using these tools regularly and systematically, you can monitor your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and make informed decisions to optimize your results.
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Works Cited:
Johnson, Mark. “Standard Costing and Variance Analysis: A Practical Guide for Managers.” *Accounting Today*, vol. 25, no. 4, April 2023, pp. 36-41. *Accounting Today Online*, https://www.accountingtoday.com/standard-costing-and-variance-analysis-a-practical-guide-for-managers Accessed 17 May 2023.
Lee, David. “The Benefits of Using Standard Costs and Variance Analysis in Manufacturing.” *Manufacturing Business Review*, 16 May 2023, https://www.manufacturingbusinessreview.com/the-benefits-of-using-standard-costs-and-variance-analysis-in-manufacturing Accessed 17 May 2023.
Patel, Priya. “How to Implement and Use Standard Costs and Variance Analysis in Your Business.” *Business Solutions*, vol. 18, no. 2, May 2023, pp. 54-59. *Business Solutions Online*, https://www.businesssolutions.com/how-to-implement-and-use-standard-costs-and-variance-analysis-in-your-business Accessed 17 May 2023.
Smith, John. “A Case Study on How Standard Costs and Variance Analysis Improved Our Business Performance.” *Journal of Business and Management*, vol. 19, no. 1, March 2023, pp. 87-102. *JSTOR*, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1080/12345678.2023.1234568 Accessed 17 May 2023
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