22/02/2015 BDA40102: Industrial Engineering 1

Topic 1:

Introduction to Industrial Engineering

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Outline for today’s lecture

Definition of Industrial Engineering What does an Industrial Engineer do? What is Unique about Industrial Engineering? Evolution of Industrial Engineering Relationship of IE to other engineering and

scientific disciplines Jobs and functions performed by Industrial

Engineers

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Definition of Industrial Engineering

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.

Draw 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.

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Definition of Industrial Engineering (cont.)

A discipline built upon a collection of methodological tools brought together to effect an integrated or "total" approach to problem-solving in engineering and management, with productivity improvement as its overall objective.

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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 does an Industrial Engineer do? (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 does an Industrial Engineer do? (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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What does an Industrial Engineer do? (Cont.)

Typical job titles of new IE graduates include Industrial Engineer, Logistics Engineer, Supply Chain Engineer, Quality/Reliability Engineer, Procurement Engineer/Executive, Planning Engineer/Executive, Operations Analyst, Quality Management Executive, Management Consultant, and Business Analyst.

Experiences in other countries show that a high proportion of IE graduates work in consultancy firms or as independent consultants, helping companies to engineer processes and systems to improve productivity, effect efficient operation of complex systems, and manage and optimize these processes and systems.

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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.

Organizations are becoming more complex and globalized, using information and technology extensively. This result is in a greater demand for engineers who are able to apply scientific approaches in the design and management of both engineering and service systems.

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What is Unique about Industrial Engineering?

Source: www.kwaliteg.co.za

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Evolution of Industrial Engineering

Scientific Mgmt

Industrial Engineering

Industrial & Systems Engineering

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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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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Thank you for your attention.