The purpose of automation has shifted from primarily increasing productivity and cutting costs to focusing on enhancing quality and flexibility in operations. This evolution reflects the need for businesses to adapt to market demands and to improve the consistency of their outputs. Modern automation now emphasizes precision and responsiveness rather than just cost savings. ;
The purpose of automation has shifted from increasing productivity and reducing costs to enhancing quality and flexibility in operations. This change responds to evolving market demands and the need for better consistency in outputs. Therefore, the correct choice is D: Increasing quality and flexibility.
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