How was manufacturing done before the industrial revolution?

Before the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing was primarily carried out through cottage industries and artisanal workshops. Craftsmen and artisans produced goods by hand, often using simple tools and techniques passed down through generations. This decentralized system relied heavily on skilled labor, with production typically occurring in small quantities to meet local demand. The process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, with a focus on quality and customization rather than mass production.