Discrete manufacturing is a production method involving the assembly of distinct, countable end-products (e.g., cars, electronics, furniture) based on a Bill of Materials (BOM).

Unlike process manufacturing, discrete manufacturing is characterized by non-continuous production steps, high product variety, and a critical need for lot-level traceability for quality control and serial number management. Its complexity necessitates the use of advanced ERP systems for effective resource management, inventory control, and production scheduling. The transition to Industry 4.0 focuses on introducing flexibility and AI-driven optimization into these intricate assembly processes.