Why is factory overhead 'applied' to products and jobs by manufacturing companies?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Applying factory overhead to products and jobs allows managers to determine more timely and accurate product costs during the manufacturing process. While total actual overhead costs can be difficult to determine, applying a predetermined overhead rate based on estimated costs can provide a more accurate cost for each job or product. Indirect costs, by definition, are not easily traceable to specific products or jobs, so applying overhead allows for a more equitable allocation of these costs to each job or product.

Why Is Factory Overhead 'Applied' to Products and Jobs by Manufacturing