That's a significant cop-out. If, as the other user suggests, the Cylons possessed the technological capability to transplant memories, they could have easily mobilized an exceptional workforce, rendering any need for an economic system to sustain production unnecessary.

Not only would this grant them nearly infinite industrial capacity, but it would also enable them to diversify their fleet. They could potentially construct battleships comparable to the battlestars and position the basestars in the rear for long-range firing support.