Define process manufacturing.

Process manufacturing refers to a production method that focuses on the transformation of raw materials into finished goods through a series of steps or processes. One of the key characteristics of process manufacturing is that the final products are often sold by weight or volume rather than by individual count or unit. This approach is prevalent in industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, where the production involves continuous or batch processing of materials.

This characteristic differentiates process manufacturing from discrete manufacturing, where items are distinct and produced in individual units, such as consumer electronics or machinery. In process manufacturing, the final product may not retain the same form as the raw materials and can be a mixture or a blend, making it typically difficult to distinguish individual items. Therefore, the selling criteria of weight or volume is a hallmark of this manufacturing process, elucidating why it is the correct definition in this context.