A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured
product, particularly one that is manufactured "one-the-spot" to a consumer's specification,
such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product
carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for
the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing
of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting
the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations
may be changed at will.
