Topic 1:
Introduction to Industrial
Engineering
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Definition of Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that
concerns the development, improvement, implementation and
evaluation of integrated systems of people, money, knowledge,
information, equipment, energy, material and process.
Industrial engineering draws upon the principles and methods of
engineering analysis and synthesis, as well as mathematical,
physical and social sciences together with the principles and
methods of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict
and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_engineering)
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What does an Industrial Engineer
do?
Industrial Engineers figure out how to do things better.
They engineer processes and systems to improve quality and
productivity. They work to eliminate waste of time, money, materials
and various resources.
While engineers from other disciplines apply their skills to very
specific areas, the Industrial Engineer has the opportunity to work in
a variety of businesses.
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What does an Industrial Engineer
do? (Cont.)
The most distinctive aspect of ISE training is the flexibility and
versatility it can offer. Whether it is improving product quality,
planning manufacturing resources or designing logistics distribution
channels, all share the common objective of cost-cutting, increasing
efficiencies and ultimately driving up the profit margins. That is why
more and more companies are hiring Industrial Engineers and then
promoting them into management positions.
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What does an Industrial Engineer
do? (Cont.)
Industrial Engineers are often required to solve large and
complex real-world problems.
To accomplish this, it is necessary to adopt a holistic and
integrated approach to problem-solving that requires a unique
blend of scientific analytical methods and creativity.
They are synonymous with a systems integrator, i.e. a ‘big-
picture thinker'. They also form the vital link between
management and engineering where scientific methods are
used heavily in making managerial decisions.
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What is Unique about Industrial
Engineering?
The domain knowledge of Industrial Engineering (IE) is derived
from combinations of engineering, mathematics, statistics,
computing and social sciences.
The IE discipline calls for the adoption of a holistic view in
resolving problems encountered and developing opportunities
presented, coupled with a strong emphasis on efficiency and
productivity improvement.
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What is Unique about Industrial
Engineering? (Cont.)
Its application can be found in a wide range of areas. Some examples
are:
Manufacturing industry: Ensuring that the equipment, manpower and
other resources in the manufacturing process are integrated in such a
manner so as to maintain efficient operation and for continuous
improvement.
Logistics industry: Management of supply chain systems (e.g.
manufacturing facilities, transportation carriers, distribution hubs, and
retailers) through integration and optimization with the goal of fulfilling
customer orders in the most cost effective way.
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What is Unique about Industrial
Engineering? (Cont.)
Service industry: Provision of consultancies in areas related to
organizational effectiveness, service quality, information systems, project
management, banking service strategy, etc.
Defence industry: Tools to support the management of military assets
and military operations in an effective and efficient manner.
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Evolution of Industrial Engineering
Industrial & Systems
Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Scientific Mgmt
1900 1920 1930’s 1970’s
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Relationship of IE to other engineering
and scientific disciplines
(source:Turner et. al, 1993)
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Jobs and functions performed by
Industrial Engineers
On demand
Investigate problems relating to component quality or difficulties
in meeting design and method constraints.
Investigate problems with the performance of processes or
machines.
Implement design changes at the appropriate times.
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Jobs and functions performed by
Industrial Engineers (Cont.)
Specifically per product (short term)
Analysis of the complete product design to determine the way the whole
process should be split into steps, or operations, and whether to produce sub-
assemblies at certain points in the whole process. This requires knowledge of
the facilities available in-house or at sub-contractors.
Specification of the method to be used to manufacture or assemble the
product(s) at each operation. This includes the machines, tooling, jigs and
fixtures and safety equipment, which may have to be designed and built.
Notice may need to be taken of any quality procedures and constraints, such
as ISO9000. This requires knowledge of health and safety responsibilities
and quality policies. This may also involve the creation of programs for any
automated machinery.
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Jobs and functions performed by
Industrial Engineers (Cont.)
Specifically per product (short term)
Measurement or calculation of the time required to perform the
specified method, taking account of the skills of the operator. This is
used to cost the operation performed, to allow balancing of assembly or
machining flow lines or the assessment of the manufacturing capacity
required. This technique is known as work study or time and motion
studies. These times are also used in value analysis.
Specification of the storage, handling and transportation methods and
equipment required for components and finished product, and at any
intermediate stages throughout the whole process. This should
eliminate the possibility for damage and minimize the space required.
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Jobs and functions performed by
Industrial Engineers (Cont.)
Specifically per process (medium term)
Determine the maintenance plan for that process.
Assess the range of products passing through the process, then investigate
the opportunities for process improvement through a reconfiguration of the
existing facilities or through the purchase of more efficient equipment. This
may also include the out-sourcing of that process. This requires knowledge of
design techniques and of investment analysis.
Review the individual products passing through the process to identify
improvements that can be made by redesign of the product, to reduce (or
eliminate) the cost that process adds, or to standardize the components,
tooling or methods used.
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Jobs and functions performed by
Industrial Engineers (Cont.)
Generically (long term)
Analyze the flow of products through the facilities of the factory to assess the overall
efficiency, and whether the most important products have priority for the most efficient
process or machine. This means maximizing throughout for the most profitable products.
This requires knowledge of statistical analysis and queuing theory, and of facilities
positional layout.
Training of new workers in the techniques required to operate the machines or assembly
processes.
Project planning to achieve timely introduction of new products and processes or
changes to them.
Generally, a good understanding of the structure and operation of the wider elements of
the Company, such as sales, purchasing, planning, design and finance; including good
communication skills. Modern practice also requires good skills in participation in multi-
disciplinary teams.
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Useful Links
www.iienet.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_engineering
www.informs.org
www.asq.org
www.scienceofbetter.org
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