Manufacturing is the process of transforming raw materials into finished goods that are ready for sale. It involves a combination of converting, assembling, fabricating and refining processes that are used to transform materials into products for sale. The manufacturing process typically includes multiple stages and encompasses the steps taken to produce a product from conception to delivery. These stages include design, prototyping, sourcing of materials, assembly, testing, packaging and shipping. Manufacturing can refer to traditional assembly line production or more modern automated processes. Regardless of the method used, the goal is always the same: to create high-quality products that people will want to buy.