What is one effect of shortened setup times in manufacturing?

Shortened setup times in manufacturing enhance a company's ability to respond swiftly to changes in demand and adapt to different production schedules, leading to more flexible production scheduling. This flexibility allows manufacturers to easily switch between different products or production lines without incurring significant time or resource costs, which can be particularly beneficial in environments where demand for specific products fluctuates. The reduction in setup time means that businesses can produce smaller batches more frequently, reinforcing their capacity to meet customer needs promptly and efficiently.

In contrast to the other options, which suggest negative effects or inefficiencies, the primary benefit of reduced setup times is the agility it introduces into the production process, enabling manufacturers to optimize resource allocation and improve overall responsiveness to market demands.