What was a primary advantage of interchangeable parts in manufacturing?

Interchangeable parts revolutionized manufacturing by allowing for the rapid assembly and repair of products. The primary advantage lies in the fact that components made to exact specifications could be easily replaced or assembled without the need for custom fitting. This efficiency not only accelerated production times but also simplified the repair process, as damaged parts could be replaced quickly with standardized components.

While reduced production costs and increased employment rates are associated benefits of the system of interchangeable parts, they are not the most direct advantage in terms of manufacturing processes. The greater craftsmanship option is misleading, as the focus of interchangeable parts was on efficiency and standardization rather than on individual craftsmanship. Thus, the correct answer underscores the systematic improvements in the efficiency of assembling and repairing products through the use of interchangeable parts.