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Topic 1: Introduction to Industrial Engineering

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Industrial Engineering

Refresh Your Mind


What is Industrial Engineering? What is the different between

Industrial Engineering & Mechanical Engineering?

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Industrial Engineering

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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Industrial Engineering

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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Industrial Engineering

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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Industrial Engineering

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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Industrial Engineering

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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Industrial Engineering

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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Industrial Engineering

Evolution of Industrial Engineering

Industrial & Systems Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Scientific Mgmt

1900
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1920 1930s
Industrial Engineering

1970s
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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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Refresh Your Mind

Video: The roles of

Industrial Engineer

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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.

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