Discrete means they have defined boundaries. It literally means a grouping within an infinite set of things.
For example, procurement is an ongoing set of activities. The RFI (Request For Information) process within the procurement process has a well defined starting point, set of rules for execution, and a conclusion. The request process stops at the request. Receiving and analyzing the responses are also separate (discrete) processes from the RFI.
You can send out 100 RFIs and each one is a discrete process. If you take 3 to the RFP (Request for Proposal), that is another discrete process which interfaces with the full procurement process. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Trying to add something to @Keith comments above the term was taken for the concept "Discrete Manufacturing". It is applied to process where you create "things" instead process where you create undifferentiated products and cycle times are measure by flow (oil industry for example). You will find the last one as "Continue Manufacturing". You will see the term "discrete" is used in a good number of places inside the PMBOK. Saving Changes...
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