A method and system for determining which machine tools to turn off during slow periods to achieve maximum cost savings with minimum cycle time increase. It uses a product demand forecast and a simplified approach to the X-factor theory to provide an objective, analytical model showing the cost savings of potentially turning off different quantities and types of machine tools versus the resulting impact on increased cycle time. This model, which can be visually plotted into a graph, can aid management decision as to the optimum machine tools to turn off while fine-tuning the marginal machine choices can keep cycle time under a predetermined acceptable maximum.