Batch processes involve finite quantities of the final product, which are obtained from finite quantities of raw materials and then processed according to an ordered set of activities in a finite time interval. Batch processes can be applied to the following:

• Products that are not processed in a fixed, predetermined quantity.
• The quantity of the final product, which depends on the recipe.
• Production processes that are interrupted after a lot of processing has been done, before resuming again. In this case, there are no parts that can be easily separated and identified.
• Equipment used for different products, but with an intermediate cleaning phase needed.

Typical examples of batch processes include the following:

• Products made according to different formulas, but in small or medium quantities, such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, or plastics
• Expensive products with a restricted market or reduced life cycle, such as perfumes
• Products that require maturation, fermentation, or mixing times in regulated conditions, such as wine, beer, other alcoholic beverages, or oil