What term describes basic substances used as inputs to a production process?

The term that describes basic substances used as inputs to a production process is "Raw Materials." Raw materials are the fundamental ingredients that are transformed through various manufacturing processes to produce finished goods. They can be natural resources such as metals, minerals, and agricultural products, or they can be processed materials that serve as the foundation for further production steps.

In a production system, raw materials are essential because they serve as the starting point for creating a wide range of products. For example, steel, wood, and plastic are commonly considered raw materials, which are then manipulated and transformed into various end products, such as furniture, cars, and machinery.

The other options represent different stages or forms related to production processes. Finished goods refer to products that are fully manufactured and ready for sale, while intermediate products are goods that are partly finished and require further processing before becoming a final product. By-products are secondary products generated during the manufacturing process, typically not the main focus of production but still of value. Understanding the role of raw materials is crucial in the context of manufacturing and production as they form the basis for creating any type of finished output.