ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

American system of manufacturing

The American system of manufacturing is a way for businesses to make things quickly and cheaply. It uses machines that do jobs that people used to have to do. Machines can do things faster and cheaper than people can, so businesses can make more money while keeping prices low. With this system, companies make large batches of the same product instead of making one item at a time. Making the same things over and over means that the company is an expert at it and can make the item more efficiently. Machines that are used in this system are called assembly lines. These are pieces of equipment that are hooked up to each other and work together like pieces in a big jigsaw puzzle. Each machine does a particular job in the process of making a product, so products can come together quickly and be shipped out to stores.