Discrete Manufacturing: Definition, Processes, and the Missing Link

Discrete manufacturing is a specialized process of creating finished products from individual parts. The products are typically made on demand and include but aren't limited to brackets, wires, and assemblies. This type of manufacturing lends itself to complex lab processes and requires a comprehensive Laboratory Information Management System, LIMS, to maximize operations. At TraxStar, we combined years of experience in the discrete manufacturing field with top-of-the-line developers to create the ultimate LIMS software solution, QATrax.


Listed below are just a few examples of discrete manufacturing vertical markets we serve:

  • HVAC
  • Construction Equipment
  • Semiconductors
  • Aerospace
  • Defense Systems
  • Automotive
  • Electronics
  • Forklifts
  • Consumer Products
  • Diagnostics
  • Electronic Cables
  • Lighting
  • Smartphones


This blog post will look at discrete manufacturing, what it is, and how discrete manufacturers can ensure their test labs are built to last. 


Discrete vs. Other Types of Manufacturing

Discrete manufacturing is often contrasted with other types of manufacturing, such as continuous, batch, and process manufacturing. Continuous manufacturing entails products being produced without interruption, often using assembly line techniques, while batch manufacturing requires that products are made in groups or batches rather than individually. However, process manufacturing remains the most comparable to discrete, and it entails the combination of raw materials to produce a product, often using chemical reactions or other processes. 


Discrete manufacturing is a process used to create finished products from individual parts. Therefore the supply chain management for discrete manufacturing is typically more complex as the individual components must be tracked and accounted for throughout the production activities, with finished products usually delivered to customers post-completion. However, despite the additional management required, discrete manufacturing offers several advantages over the other types of manufacturing mentioned above, including but not limited to more flexibility and lower waste levels.


The Missing Link in Discrete Manufacturing Lab Management

Due to the complexity of the discrete manufacturing process and the demand for innovation in a rapidly advancing environment, it is wiser to turn to software to fulfill your lab management needs. Unfortunately, many businesses still use outdated technologies and are missing out on all the benefits of implementing Laboratory Information Management System software in their test labs. Our clients have seen the immense value of a LIMS, which allows them to optimize lab productivity and expenses while creating an all-in-one system for driving, tracking, storing, and accessing data. More importantly, a LIMS is what discrete manufacturers need to ensure their laboratory's long-term viability.


Business software that optimizes operations, such as enterprise resource planning, is already well-known. Enterprise resource planning (erp) software frequently manages your key business activities in real-time, using a program and technology to handle human resources and financial management. ERP software helps manage your company's daily operations but does nothing to manage and improve test laboratories or manufacturing processes. QATrax LIMS is the missing link.



QATrax LIMS: The Discrete Manufacturing Test Lab Solution

QATrax, by Traxstar Technologies, is a LIMS system designed for discrete manufacturers. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to streamline your manufacturing process. With the ability to optimize production activities and track each unit's progress through every step of the lifecycle, QATrax ensures quality standards are met and efficiency is prioritized. Additionally, QATrax LIMS can provide valuable insights into lab operations, helping manufacturers easily identify areas for improvement.


Discrete manufacturers can use QATrax LIMS to improve their test labs in several ways, such as:


  • Schedule Management - The auto-scheduler allows you to schedule tests seamlessly with a few clicks by finding the first availability in the calendar. Schedulers can follow up with resource preferencing and drag & drop resource assignments.
  • Requesting - This advanced system provides design engineers and other requestors with a mechanism to request work to be done in respective areas of the lab or enterprise. 
  • Metrics - QATrax's Management Reports is an organized report package that provides you with an unlimited inquiry into lab processes, all behind your firewall. 
  • Reducing waste - Using QATrax LIMS can help reduce the waste generated by discrete manufacturing processes.


The list above describes the core ways QATrax LIMS can improve your manufacturing process, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. In conclusion, our software is feature-rich, customizable, user-friendly, and backed by our world-class support team.


Upgrade Your Test Labs with QATrax

If you are a discrete manufacturer looking for a LIMS system to improve your test lab or labs, we invite you to request a demo today. The TraxStar team would be happy to show you how QATrax can help streamline your processes and take your laboratory management to the next level.

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