The new manufacturing environment requires revision of cost-accounting procedures as well as new technology. The authors outline methods to redesign standard cost systems to measure factors that are important in today's automated environment such as quality, production levels, and throughput. Recommended revisions include a unique input-output method to analyze variances, specific metrics related to manufacturing performance, identification of cost drivers, provision for continuous improvement through dynamic standards, analysis of marketing activities, and in-depth capital budgeting procedures for determining when automation is desirable. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.