Manufacture vs. Manufacturing — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
Manufacture refers to the process of making products by hand or machinery, while manufacturing is the broader industry or activity of producing goods on a large scale.
Difference Between Manufacture and Manufacturing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Manufacture is the act or process of creating goods and products through a combination of human labor, machinery, and technology. This term emphasizes the process and methods involved in producing items, whether they are crafted by hand or produced in factories. On the other hand, manufacturing represents the entire sector or field dedicated to the mass production of goods, encompassing various processes, operations, and the economic scale of production.
While manufacture can imply a single process or a series of actions taken to create a product, manufacturing refers to the systematic, ongoing production of goods, often involving assembly lines, sophisticated machinery, and production facilities. Manufacturing is a critical component of industrial economies, involving complex logistics, supply chain management, and quality control systems to ensure efficient production and distribution of products.
Manufacture can take place on a small or artisanal scale, focusing on the craftsmanship and unique qualities of the produced items. Conversely, manufacturing typically implies a larger scale of production, aiming for uniformity, efficiency, and meeting the demands of a widespread market.
The skills required for manufacture may vary from traditional, handcrafted techniques to specialized knowledge in operating machinery and equipment. Manufacturing, as an industry, demands a broader range of skills, including engineering, management, and technical expertise, to oversee the production process and ensure that it meets industry standards and consumer expectations.
While the term "manufacture" can also be used as a noun to describe the making of goods, it's more commonly employed to talk about the process itself. "Manufacturing," however, is predominantly used as a noun to describe the sector or activity and less frequently as a verb.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of making goods by hand or with machines
The industry or sector involved in producing goods on a large scale
Scale
Can be small-scale or artisanal
Typically implies large-scale production
Focus
Emphasizes the process and methods of production
Encompasses the entire system of production, including logistics and supply chain
Skills Required
May include traditional craftsmanship or machine operation
Requires a broad set of skills including management, engineering, and technical expertise
Common Usage
Often used to describe the act or process of producing goods
Used to describe the industry or the systematic production of goods
Compare with Definitions
Manufacture
The action of making products manually or with machinery.
The local company specializes in the manufacture of handmade shoes.
Manufacturing
Includes various production processes.
Advances in manufacturing technology have streamlined the production line.
Manufacture
Can denote a crafted or machine-produced item.
The manufacture of porcelain vases in the region dates back centuries.
Manufacturing
The industry dedicated to producing goods at scale.
The city's economy thrives on its manufacturing sector.
Manufacture
Focuses on the creation process.
Artisan workshops excel in the manufacture of bespoke furniture.
Manufacturing
Involves large-scale production facilities.
The country is a global leader in car manufacturing.
Manufacture
May imply smaller scale production.
The manufacture of these gourmet chocolates involves a meticulous process.
Manufacturing
Requires a broad range of expertise.
The manufacturing industry is seeking engineers with expertise in automation.
Manufacture
Involves specific techniques.
Traditional manufacture techniques are preserved in the making of these textiles.
Manufacturing
Critical for industrial economies.
Manufacturing jobs are a cornerstone of the nation's economic growth.
Manufacture
Make (something) on a large scale using machinery
Firms who manufacture ball bearings
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the production of goods through the use of labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of secondary sector of the economy.
Manufacture
Invent (evidence or a story)
Claims that the entire row had been manufactured by the press
Manufacturing
To make or process (a raw material) into a finished product, especially by means of a large-scale industrial operation.
Manufacture
The making of articles on a large scale using machinery
The manufacture of armoured vehicles
Manufacturing
To make or process (a product), especially with the use of industrial machines.
Manufacture
To make or process (a raw material) into a finished product, especially by means of a large-scale industrial operation.
Manufacturing
To create, produce, or turn out in a mechanical manner
"His books seem to have been manufactured rather than composed" (Dwight Macdonald).
Manufacture
To make or process (a product), especially with the use of industrial machines.
Manufacturing
To concoct or invent; fabricate
Manufacture an excuse.
Manufacture
To create, produce, or turn out in a mechanical manner
"His books seem to have been manufactured rather than composed" (Dwight Macdonald).
Manufacturing
To make or process goods, especially in large quantities and by means of industrial machines.
Manufacture
To concoct or invent; fabricate
Manufacture an excuse.
Manufacturing
The act, craft, or process of manufacturing products, especially on a large scale.
Manufacture
To make or process goods, especially in large quantities and by means of industrial machines.
Manufacturing
An industry in which mechanical power and machinery are employed.
Manufacture
The act, craft, or process of manufacturing products, especially on a large scale.
Manufacturing
A product that is manufactured.
Manufacture
An industry in which mechanical power and machinery are employed.
Manufacturing
The making or producing of something.
Manufacture
A product that is manufactured.
Manufacturing
The transformation of raw materials into finished products, usually on a large scale.
Manufacture
The making or producing of something.
Manufacturing
The industry in which such products are made.
Manufacture
The action or process of making goods systematically or on a large scale.
Manufacturing
Used in manufacturing.
Manufacture
Anything made, formed or produced; product.
Manufacturing
Present participle of manufacture
Manufacture
(figuratively) The process of such production; generation, creation.
Manufacturing
Employed, or chiefly employed, in manufacture; as, a manufacturing community; a manufacturing town.
Manufacture
(horology) A watch manufacturer that makes its own parts, rather than assembling watches from parts obtained from other firms.
Manufacturing
Pertaining to manufacture; as, manufacturing projects.
Manufacture
To make things, usually on a large scale, with tools and either physical labor or machinery.
Manufacture
(transitive) To work (raw or partly wrought materials) into suitable forms for use.
To manufacture wool into blankets
Manufacture
(derogatory) To fabricate; to create false evidence to support a point.
Manufacture
The operation of making wares or any products by hand, by machinery, or by other agency.
Manufacture
Anything made from raw materials by the hand, by machinery, or by art, as cloths, iron utensils, shoes, machinery, saddlery, etc.
Manufacture
To make (wares or other products) by hand, by machinery, or by other agency; as, to manufacture cloth, nails, glass, etc.
Manufacture
To work, as raw or partly wrought materials, into suitable forms for use; as, to manufacture wool, cotton, silk, or iron.
Manufacture
To be employed in manufacturing something.
Manufacture
The organized action of making of goods and services for sale;
American industry is making increased use of computers to control production
Manufacture
The act of making something (a product) from raw materials;
The synthesis and fabrication of single crystals
An improvement in the manufacture of explosives
Manufacturing is vital to Great Britain
Manufacture
Put together out of components or parts;
The company fabricates plastic chairs
They manufacture small toys
Manufacture
Make up something artificial or untrue
Common Curiosities
What is the significance of manufacturing in global trade?
The manufacturing sector is vital for global trade, with countries specializing in different types of manufacturing based on their resources and expertise.
What is the difference between manufacture and manufacturing?
Manufacture focuses on the process of making goods, while manufacturing refers to the industry or activity of producing goods on a large scale.
Can manufacture be used to describe large-scale production?
While it can refer to any scale of production, it typically implies a focus on the method or craftsmanship involved, rather than the scale.
Can small businesses be involved in manufacturing?
Yes, small businesses contribute significantly to the manufacturing sector, often specializing in niche products or components.
Are all goods produced in the manufacturing sector identical?
While mass production aims for uniformity, variations can occur due to manufacturing tolerances and quality control standards.
Is manufacturing only related to modern industries?
Manufacturing spans from traditional industries to modern, high-tech sectors, encompassing a wide range of production methods.
How has technology impacted manufacturing?
Technology has greatly enhanced efficiency, quality, and the ability to produce complex products in the manufacturing sector.
How does manufacturing contribute to an economy?
It drives economic growth through job creation, innovation, and by contributing significantly to exports and GDP.
What role do humans play in the manufacturing process?
Despite automation, human oversight, management, and skilled labor are crucial for operating machinery, quality assurance, and innovation.
How do environmental concerns impact manufacturing?
There's increasing pressure on the manufacturing sector to adopt sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact through efficient use of resources and waste management.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
