Manufacturing vs. Service — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Manufacturing involves the production of goods through physical processes, typically in a factory setting, whereas services entail intangible outputs like advice, maintenance, or entertainment.
Difference Between Manufacturing and Service
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Manufacturing primarily deals with the creation of tangible goods using raw materials and machinery. These products can be stored, shipped, and sold at a later time. On the other hand, services revolve around the provision of intangible offerings such as expertise, labor, or entertainment, which are consumed as they are produced and do not result in ownership of any physical product.
In the context of economic contribution, manufacturing sectors are often measured by the physical output and investments in heavy machinery and production facilities. Whereas, service sectors are gauged by the value of human capital, customer satisfaction, and the effectiveness of service delivery.
From an employment perspective, manufacturing jobs are typically centered around operational tasks, quality control, and machine handling. These roles often require specific technical skills and training. Conversely, service jobs focus on customer interaction, problem-solving, and providing personalized solutions, frequently necessitating strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Economically, manufacturing can have a significant impact through the export of goods, contributing to a country's trade balance. While service industries like tourism, banking, and education attract foreign investment and promote economic diversity.
When considering scalability, manufacturing can be capital intensive and often requires significant investment to increase production capacity. Services, however, can sometimes scale more flexibly, relying more on human resources than on physical capital.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Tangible goods
Intangible offerings
Output Storage
Possible
Not possible
Skill Requirements
Technical, operational
Communication, interpersonal
Economic Impact
Exports, heavy industry investment
Investment attraction, diversity
Scalability
Capital intensive
Flexible, resource-dependent
Compare with Definitions
Manufacturing
The process of converting raw materials into finished products.
Manufacturing steel involves melting iron ore and adding carbon.
Service
Often requires direct human interaction or input.
Educational services rely heavily on skilled teachers and mentors.
Manufacturing
Involves significant use of machinery and labor.
The car manufacturing process is highly automated with robotic assembly lines.
Service
Immediacy in consumption; services are consumed when offered.
Consulting services are delivered and utilized during meetings.
Manufacturing
Goods produced can be inventoried.
Manufactured electronics are stockpiled in warehouses before distribution.
Service
Primarily contributes to the service economy.
The growth of IT services has transformed economies worldwide.
Manufacturing
Often located in dedicated facilities like factories.
The new manufacturing plant will boost local employment.
Service
Can be decentralized or remote.
Many customer service roles are now performed remotely.
Manufacturing
Directly affects the physical economy through tangible outputs.
Manufacturing is a critical component of industrial growth.
Service
The action of helping or doing work for someone
Millions are involved in voluntary service
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.
Service
A system supplying a public need such as transport, communications, or utilities such as electricity and water
A regular bus service
Manufacturing
To make or process (a raw material) into a finished product, especially by means of a large-scale industrial operation.
Service
A ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form
A funeral service
Manufacturing
To make or process (a product), especially with the use of industrial machines.
Service
A periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine
He took his car in for a service
Manufacturing
To create, produce, or turn out in a mechanical manner
"His books seem to have been manufactured rather than composed" (Dwight Macdonald).
Service
A set of matching crockery used for serving a particular meal
A dinner service
Manufacturing
To concoct or invent; fabricate
Manufacture an excuse.
Service
(in tennis and other racket sports) the action or right of serving to begin play.
Manufacturing
To make or process goods, especially in large quantities and by means of industrial machines.
Service
The formal delivery of a document such as a writ or summons.
Manufacturing
The act, craft, or process of manufacturing products, especially on a large scale.
Service
Perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine)
Ensure that gas appliances are serviced regularly
Manufacturing
An industry in which mechanical power and machinery are employed.
Service
(of a male animal) mate with (a female animal)
One dog could presumably service several bitches in a day
Manufacturing
A product that is manufactured.
Service
Work that is done for others as an occupation or business
Has done service for us as a consultant.
Manufacturing
The making or producing of something.
Service
The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant
Found the butler's service to be excellent.
Manufacturing
The transformation of raw materials into finished products, usually on a large scale.
Service
An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay
Offers a superior service to that of his competitors.
Provides full catering services.
Manufacturing
The industry in which such products are made.
Service
Assistance; help
Was of great service to him during his illness.
Manufacturing
Used in manufacturing.
Service
An act of assistance or benefit; a favor
My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
Manufacturing
Present participle of manufacture
Service
The serving of food or the manner in which it is served
The service was good, but the food was lousy.
Manufacturing
Employed, or chiefly employed, in manufacture; as, a manufacturing community; a manufacturing town.
Service
A set of dishes or utensils
A silver tea service.
Manufacturing
Pertaining to manufacture; as, manufacturing projects.
Service
Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government
Has been in the company's service for 15 years.
Service
A government branch or department and its employees
The diplomatic service.
Service
A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care
The anesthesiology service.
Service
The armed forces of a nation
Joined the service right after college.
Service
A branch of the armed forces of a nation.
Service
The installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer
A dealer with full parts and service.
Service
The provision to the public of something, especially a utility
A town without sewer service.
Service
The system or equipment used to provide something to the public
The electrical service was damaged in the storm.
Service
The right of serving in many court games.
Service
A serve
Her first service hit the net.
Service
A religious rite or formal ceremony
Held services in the evening.
A memorial service.
Service
Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
Service
(Law) The serving of a legal process, such as a summons or court order.
Service
The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
Service
An answering service.
Service
To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain
Service a car.
Service
To provide services to
That cable company services most households in the area.
Service
To make interest payments on (a debt).
Service
To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
Service
Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
Service
Intended for use in supplying or serving
A service elevator.
The service entrance.
Service
Offering repairs or maintenance
A service guarantee.
A road service area.
Service
Offering services to the public in response to need or demand
A service industry.
Service
An act of being of assistance to someone.
I say I did him a service by ending our relationship
– now he can freely pursue his career.
Service
(economics) The practice of providing such a service as economic activity.
Hair care is a service industry.
Service
A department in a company, an organization, a government department, etc.
Service
(computing) A function that is provided by one program or machine for another.
This machine provides the name service for the LAN.
Service
The state of being subordinate to or employed by an individual or group
Lancelot was at the service of King Arthur.
Service
The military.
I did three years in the service before coming here.
Service
A set of dishes or utensils.
She brought out the silver tea service.
Service
(sports) The act of initially starting, or serving, the ball in play in tennis, volleyball, and other games.
The player had four service faults in the set.
Service
A religious rite or ritual.
The funeral service was touching.
Service
(legal) The serving, or delivery, of a summons or writ.
The service happened yesterday.
Service
A taxi shared among unrelated passengers, each of whom pays part of the fare; often, it has a fixed route between cities.
Service
A musical composition for use in churches.
Service
(obsolete) Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed.
Service
(nautical) The materials used for serving a rope, etc., such as spun yarn and small lines.
Service
Access to resources such as hotel rooms and web-based videos without transfer of the resources' ownership.
Service
Service tree.
Service
The sorb; the fruit of this tree.
Service
(transitive) To serve.
They service the customer base.
Service
(transitive) To perform maintenance.
He is going to service the car.
Service
To supply (media outlets) with press releases etc.
Service
To attack.
To service a target; target servicing
Service
A name given to several trees and shrubs of the genus Pyrus, as Pyrus domestica and P. torminalis of Europe, the various species of mountain ash or rowan tree, and the American shad bush (see Shad bush, under Shad). They have clusters of small, edible, applelike berries.
Service
The act of serving; the occupation of a servant; the performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command; attendance of an inferior, hired helper, slave, etc., on a superior, employer, master, or the like; also, spiritual obedience and love.
Madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service.
God requires no man's service upon hard and unreasonable terms.
Service
The deed of one who serves; labor performed for another; duty done or required; office.
I have served him from the hour of my nativity, . . . and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows.
This poem was the last piece of service I did for my master, King Charles.
To go on the forlorn hope is a service of peril; who will understake it if it be not also a service of honor?
Service
Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service.
The outward service of ancient religion, the rites, ceremonies, and ceremonial vestments of the old law.
Service
Hence, a musical composition for use in churches.
Service
Duty performed in, or appropriate to, any office or charge; official function; hence, specifically, military or naval duty; performance of the duties of a soldier.
When he cometh to experience of service abroad . . . ne maketh a worthy soldier.
Service
Useful office; advantage conferred; that which promotes interest or happiness; benefit; avail.
The stork's plea, when taken in a net, was the service she did in picking up venomous creatures.
Service
Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed.
Service
The act and manner of bringing food to the persons who eat it; order of dishes at table; also, a set or number of vessels ordinarily used at table; as, the service was tardy and awkward; a service of plate or glass.
There was no extraordinary service seen on the board.
Service
The act of bringing to notice, either actually or constructively, in such manner as is prescribed by law; as, the service of a subpŒna or an attachment.
Service
The materials used for serving a rope, etc., as spun yarn, small lines, etc.
Service
The act of serving the ball.
Service
Work done by one person or group that benefits another;
Budget separately for goods and services
Service
A company or agency that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
Service
The act of public worship following prescribed rules;
The Sunday service
Service
An act of help or assistance;
He did them a service
Service
Employment in or work for another;
He retired after 30 years of service
Service
A force that is a branch of the armed forces
Service
The performance of duties by a waiter or servant;
That restaurant has excellent service
Service
Periodic maintenance on a car or machine;
It was time for an overhaul on the tractor
Service
Tableware consisting of a complete set of articles (silver or dishware) for use at table
Service
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play;
His powerful serves won the game
Service
The act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone;
He accepted service of the subpoena
Service
Canadian writer (born in England) who wrote about life in the Yukon Territory (1874-1958)
Service
A means of serving;
Of no avail
There's no help for it
Service
The act of mating by male animals;
The bull was worth good money in servicing fees
Service
(law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him
Service
Be used by; as of a utility;
The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
The garage served to shelter his horses
Service
Make fit for use;
Service my truck
The washing machine needs to be serviced
Service
Mate with;
Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
Service
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
Banking services include loans and account management.
Common Curiosities
What is manufacturing?
Manufacturing is the process of creating goods from raw materials using various physical and chemical processes.
Can manufacturing also provide services?
Yes, many manufacturing firms also offer services such as installation, maintenance, and repair.
Is one sector more important than the other?
Both sectors are crucial; they complement each other and contribute to a balanced economic structure.
How does employment differ between manufacturing and services?
Manufacturing typically requires technical skills for machine operation, whereas services need skills in customer engagement and problem-solving.
How does customer interaction differ between the two?
Manufacturing involves limited customer interaction post-sale, while services often involve ongoing engagement.
What are the typical outputs of manufacturing?
Typical outputs include automobiles, electronics, and clothing.
How do manufacturing and service sectors impact the economy?
Manufacturing boosts the economy through production and exports, while services enhance economic diversity and specialization.
Can services be standardized like manufactured goods?
Services are harder to standardize due to their intangible and personalized nature.
What defines a service industry?
A service industry is characterized by the provision of intangible benefits like expertise, care, or maintenance.
What is an example of a service that is difficult to store?
Examples include live performances or airline flights; once performed or departed, they cannot be stored for later use.
What role does technology play in both sectors?
In manufacturing, technology streamlines production, while in services, it improves delivery and customer interaction.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
