80+ Production and Manufacturing Vocabulary | Key Vocabulary and Phrases for English Learners




The manufacturing industry is the backbone of any modern economy, providing essential goods for consumers and businesses alike. Successfully navigating the complex world of production and manufacturing requires an understanding of key terminology. 

This article will provide a tour through some important vocabulary used in production and manufacturing.
  • Assembly line: A manufacturing process in which a product is assembled by adding components in a sequential manner on a conveyor belt.
  • Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks that were once done by humans.
  • Backorder: An order that cannot be fulfilled immediately due to a lack of inventory.
  • Batch production: A manufacturing process in which a specific quantity of a product is produced at one time.
  • Bill of materials (BOM): A list of all the components and materials required to manufacture a product.
  • Bottleneck: A point in a manufacturing process where production is slowed down due to a limitation in capacity or resources.
  • CAD/CAM: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, used to design and produce products with the help of software.
  • Capacity: The maximum amount of output that a manufacturing process or facility can produce.
  • Continuous improvement: An ongoing effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a manufacturing process.
  • Cycle time: The time it takes to complete one cycle of a manufacturing process.
  • Defect: A flaw or imperfection in a product that makes it unusable or less effective.
  • DMAIC: A problem-solving methodology used in manufacturing that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
  • Efficiency: The ability to produce a certain amount of output with a minimum amount of input.
  • Equipment: The machines and tools used in a manufacturing process.
  • ERP: Enterprise resource planning software used to manage and integrate all aspects of a manufacturing business, including inventory, production, and sales.
  • Fabrication: The process of creating a product by cutting, bending, and shaping raw materials.
  • Finished goods: Products that are ready for sale or use.
  • First in, first out (FIFO): An inventory management system in which the oldest inventory is sold or used first.
  • Flowchart: A visual representation of a manufacturing process that shows the steps and flow of materials and information.
  • Forecasting: The process of estimating future demand for a product or service.
  • Inventory: The raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods that a manufacturing business has on hand.
  • ISO 9001: A quality management standard used in manufacturing that focuses on customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and process efficiency.
  • Just-in-time (JIT): An inventory management system in which materials and components are delivered to a manufacturing facility just in time for production.
  • Kanban: A visual signaling system used in manufacturing to manage inventory and production.
  • Kaizen: A Japanese term meaning "continuous improvement," used to describe a philosophy of ongoing improvement in manufacturing processes.
  • Lead time: The amount of time it takes to fulfill an order, from the time it is placed to the time it is delivered.
  • Lean manufacturing: A manufacturing philosophy that focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
  • Machine tool: A machine used to shape, cut, or form materials, such as lathes, milling machines, and drills.
  • Maintenance: The process of keeping manufacturing equipment and facilities in good working order.
  • Make-to-order: A manufacturing process in which products are produced only when an order is received.
  • Make-to-stock: A manufacturing process in which products are produced in advance and held in inventory until they are sold.
  • Material handling: The process of moving materials and components through a manufacturing process.
  • Material requirements planning (MRP): A system used to plan and control the inventory and production of materials.
  • Motion study: The analysis of the movements required to perform a manufacturing task in order to optimize efficiency.
  • Nonconformance: A product or component that does not meet quality standards or specifications.
  • Operations management: The management of all aspects of a manufacturing process, including production, inventory, and quality control.
  • Outsourcing: The practice of contracting out a manufacturing process to a third-party supplier.
  • Overhead: The indirect costs of running a manufacturing business, including rent, utilities, and administrative expenses.
  • Parts per million (PPM): A measure of the defect rate in a manufacturing process.
  • Plant layout: The arrangement of equipment, materials, and personnel in a manufacturing facility.
  • Preventive maintenance: The process of performing routine maintenance on manufacturing equipment to prevent breakdowns and downtime.
  • Process flow diagram: A visual representation of a manufacturing process that shows the sequence of steps and materials flow.
  • Productivity: The amount of output produced per unit of input, such as labor or capital.
  • Pull system: A manufacturing system in which production is based on customer demand, rather than forecasted demand.
  • Push system: A manufacturing system in which production is based on forecasted demand, rather than actual customer demand.
  • Quality assurance: The process of ensuring that products meet quality standards and specifications.
  • Quality control: The process of inspecting products to ensure that they meet quality standards and specifications.
  • Raw materials: The basic materials used to create a product, such as metal, plastic, or wood.
  • Reorder point: The minimum inventory level at which an order for more materials or components must be placed.
  • Root cause analysis: A problem-solving methodology used in manufacturing to identify the underlying cause of defects or other manufacturing issues.
  • Safety stock: Extra inventory held in case of unexpected demand or delays in production.
  • Six Sigma: A problem-solving methodology used in manufacturing that aims to reduce defects to less than 3.4 per million opportunities.
  • Standard operating procedure (SOP): A set of written instructions that detail the steps required to perform a manufacturing task.
  • Statistical process control (SPC): A method used in manufacturing to monitor and control production processes using statistical techniques.
  • Supply chain management: The management of all aspects of the flow of materials and information from suppliers to customers.
  • Takt time: The rate at which a product must be produced to meet customer demand.
  • Total productive maintenance (TPM): A maintenance strategy that focuses on maximizing the productivity of manufacturing equipment.
  • Traceability: The ability to track the history of a product or component through the manufacturing process.
  • Value stream mapping: A visual representation of the flow of materials and information through a manufacturing process, used to identify areas for improvement.
  • Vendor-managed inventory (VMI): An inventory management system in which the supplier is responsible for monitoring and replenishing inventory levels.
  • Work center: An area within a manufacturing facility where a specific manufacturing operation is performed.
  • Work-in-progress (WIP): Products that are in the process of being manufactured, but are not yet finished.
  • Yield: The percentage of products or components that meet quality standards and specifications.
  • 3D printing: A manufacturing process in which a product is created by layering materials, such as plastic or metal, based on a digital design.
  • Additive manufacturing: Another term for 3D printing, used to describe a process in which materials are added layer by layer to create a product.
  • Batch size: The number of products produced in a single batch production run.
  • Blow molding: A manufacturing process in which a hollow plastic product is created by blowing air into a molten plastic tube.
  • Casting: A manufacturing process in which a liquid material, such as metal or plastic, is poured into a mold and allowed to solidify.
  • CNC machining: Computer numerical control machining, used to automate the production of complex parts and components.
  • Coating: The process of applying a layer of material, such as paint or powder, to a product or component.
  • Compression molding: A manufacturing process in which a material, such as plastic or rubber, is compressed and heated to create a product.
  • Die cutting: A manufacturing process in which a material, such as paper or fabric, is cut into a specific shape using a die.
  • Extrusion: A manufacturing process in which a material, such as plastic or metal, is forced through a die to create a product with a specific shape.
  • Forging: A manufacturing process in which a metal product is created by heating and shaping metal through the use of a die or hammer.
  • Injection molding: A manufacturing process in which molten material, such as plastic, is injected into a mold and allowed to cool and solidify.
  • Jig: A tool used to guide or hold a workpiece during a manufacturing process.
  • Laser cutting: A manufacturing process in which a laser is used to cut or etch materials, such as metal or plastic.
  • Lathe: A machine tool used to shape or cut metal or other materials.
  • Machining: The process of using machine tools to shape or cut materials.
  • Metal stamping: A manufacturing process in which a metal product is created by stamping or pressing a metal sheet or strip into a specific shape.
  • Milling: The process of using a milling machine to shape or cut materials, such as metal or wood.
  • Molding: The process of shaping material, such as plastic or metal, into a specific shape using a mold.
  • Pallet: A platform used to transport or store goods during a manufacturing process.
  • Plasma cutting: A manufacturing process in which a plasma torch is used to cut or etch metal or other materials.
  • Powder coating: A coating process in which a dry powder is applied to a product or component and then heated to create a durable finish.
  • Press brake: A machine tool used to bend and shape metal or other materials.
  • Punching: A manufacturing process in which a material, such as metal or plastic, is cut or shaped using a punch and die.
  • Rolling: The process of using a rolling machine to shape or flatten
Production and manufacturing involve processes ranging from the design and sourcing of raw materials to quality control and distribution of finished goods. Mastering the vocabulary associated with these topics will provide a solid foundation for communicating with professionals in the manufacturing industry.

As you continue exploring the fascinating world of production and manufacturing, remember that improving efficiency, reducing costs, and innovating new processes all begin with clear communication through shared terminology. I hope these vocabulary terms have provided a useful starting point on your journey.
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