A target costing solution is a modern cost management tool that supports companies in designing products to optimize costs from the outset. Unlike traditional costing methods, this concept starts with the target sales price. Based on the customer's willingness to pay, a target price is set from which the desired profit margin is deducted. The result is the permitted cost level, which the target costing solution should consistently adhere to.
In times of rising raw material prices, global competition and ever shorter product life cycles, it is no longer enough to think about costs only after development. With a target costing solution, costs can already be optimized in the planning phase. In this way, companies can ensure that new products are not only technically convincing, but also economically profitable.
In addition, the target costing solution contributes to close cooperation between development, purchasing and controlling. Instead of departments working in isolation, solutions are sought together to harmonize quality, functionality and price. This way of thinking in cross-departmental teams strengthens innovation and improves the competitive position.
A target costing solution offers numerous advantages that go far beyond pure cost control. Companies benefit from greater market and customer orientation, as the price acceptance of the target group is taken into account from the outset. Transparency regarding cost drivers is also significantly improved. This enables management and project teams to make targeted decisions in order to exploit savings potential without risking any loss of quality.
Another advantage is the early risk minimization. Products whose costs exceed the targets are identified immediately. This prevents high development costs from being invested in products that are unlikely to be profitable on the market later on. The target costing solution is therefore not only a cost instrument, but also a strategic management tool.
Companies that want to be successful in the long term can hardly avoid a target costing solution. It ensures consistent market and customer orientation, increases planning security and strengthens competitiveness. Especially in industries with high price pressure and short innovation cycles, the target costing solution becomes a decisive success factor.