Comparing the cost and ROI of one machine type versus another makes me think of compelling scenes from films such as “Good Will Hunting,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Hidden Figures,” in which the main character fills up a chalkboard with the divine language of math. When conducting a cost justification study, it’s vital to include as many factors as possible to get to the answer, and presently there are several market dynamics that must be figured into the formula. When those are added, the solution might surprise you. For instance, the current market conditions affecting the choice between single-spindle machining centers versus gantry-type multi-spindle machines are equipment build times, the skills gap, and automation.