In manufacturing, what is the term for the process of converting raw materials into finished products?

The term "production" in manufacturing refers to the overall process of converting raw materials into finished products. This encompasses various stages and methods, including sourcing materials, processing them, and assembling the final output. Production is a broad term that includes all activities involved in creating goods, from inception to completion, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.

Fabrication, while part of the production process, specifically refers to the creation of components or parts. It involves shaping and assembling raw materials into intermediary products, which are then assembled during the overall production phase. Assembly generally refers to the final stage where parts and components are put together to form a finished product. Processing can refer to various techniques used on raw materials but does not encompass the entire cycle of creating finished goods as effectively as production does.