Industrial and manufacturing are two terms that are widely used in the business world, especially when it comes to the production of goods. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between industrial and manufacturing.
Manufacturing refers to the process of producing goods, typically on a large scale. It involves the transformation of raw materials into finished products. Manufacturing is used in many industries like food, electronics, automobile, and pharmaceuticals.
The manufacturing process involves a series of steps such as design, prototype development, raw material procurement, assembly, testing, and packaging. The final products are then sent to distributors or directly to the consumers.
Industrial, on the other hand, refers to the economic activity that encompasses manufacturing plus other productive activities such as extraction of raw material, construction, transportation, and distribution. Industrial activity also includes services that support these activities, such as engineering, procurement, and construction management.
While manufacturing operates within the realm of industrial activities, it is only a subset of industrial activity. Industrial activities contribute to the development of a nation’s economy by increasing employment opportunities, earning foreign exchange, and boosting economic growth.
One of the significant differences between industrial and manufacturing is the scale. Manufacturing is a subset of the industrial sector, and it generally operates on a large scale. In contrast, industrial encompasses manufacturing plus other productive activities, which can also operate on a smaller scale.
Another significant difference between the two lies in their focus. Manufacturing centers on the production of goods, while industrial activities aim to increase overall economic activity. Industrial activities aim to make better use of available resources, ensure cost-effectiveness, and expand the scope of entrepreneurial activities.
Moreover, industrial activity involves multiple sectors and is characterized by a diverse range of products and services. For instance, the food industry involves farming, processing, packaging, and distribution sectors. Thus, industrial activities have a more significant impact on the economy than manufacturing activities.
In conclusion, manufacturing is a subset of industrial activities, and their differences come down to scale and focus. While manufacturing centers on the production of goods, industrial activity involves other productive activities like service, construction, extraction, transportation, and distribution. Industrial activities have a more significant impact on a nation’s economy than manufacturing activities.