What is discrete manufacturing? - Definition from Whatis.com

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discrete manufacturing

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discrete manufacturing

Discrete manufacturing is an industry term for the manufacturing of finished products that are distinct items capable of being easily counted, touched or seen. In theory, a discrete product can be broken down at the end of its lifecycle so its basic components can be recycled. An automobile is a product of discrete manufacturing.

Discrete manufacturing can be contrasted with process manufacturing. In process manufacturing, the product is created by using a formula or recipe to refine raw ingredients and the final product cannot be broken down to its basic components. Aspirin is a product of process manufacturing.

Related glossary terms: Demand signal repository (DSR) , process manufacturing, work in progress (WIP), advanced shipping notice (ASN), demand-driven manufacturing (DDM), demand flow scheduling system, supply chain planning (SCP), bar code (or barcode), vendor-managed inventory (VMI), advanced planning and scheduling (APS)

This was last updated in June 2009

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