Glossary Term: Discrete manufacturing

Discrete manufacturing is a term used to describe the production of physically distinct products. These products generally can be identified either by serial number or by physical appearance examples include cars, smartphones or toys. Discrete manufacturing is the opposite of process manufacturing where products are unable to be separated and individually identified.

Characterized by unit production, in discrete manufacturing, products can be produced with varying complexity and volume. This process improves manufacturing efficiency and quality and improves time-to-market speed.

Discrete manufacturing is unable to be continuous as the final product is composed from many different inputs. Where oil can be produced from the continuous refining of petroleum, a car requires many different parts that come from various manufacturers and thus is unable to be continuous.


To view the complete list of glossary terms, click here.