The phrase "discrete steps" refers to separate and distinct actions or movements that are taken one at a time, with a clear beginning and end. Full definition
It moves in discrete steps depending on who is buying / selling at given prices. (money.stackexchange.com)
They explain how four discrete steps work in tandem to create a seamless, comprehensive formative assessment system — one that has no beginning and no end. (ascd.org)
It embodied high technology, assembly line techniques, the separation of the work process into discrete steps, the distancing of the worker from the final product, and, above all, it proved a highly efficient and therefore highly lucrative business. (religion-online.org)