Online Programs in Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers evaluate, develop, design and test integrated systems and determine the best and most effective ways to provide a service or make a product using energy, organization, materials, technology, information, machines, and people. One of their main concerns is using this to increase a company's productivity. Industrial engineers solve production, organizational and related problems by figuring out the product requirements and designing information and manufacturing systems. They perform mathematical calculations and apply statistical methods to ascertain production standards, staff requirements, and manufacturing processes; design the workspace, layout of materials and equipment using computers and drafting tools to exemplify the utmost efficiency; and ensure reliability and quality control by directing workers engaged in testing activities, inspection, and product measurement. Industrial engineers also confer with management, staff, and vendors regarding project status, specifications, procedures, and manufacturing capabilities and determine workers responsibilities and functions by studying organization charts, operations sequence, project information, and functional statements. Industrial engineers determine efficient plant locations and improve or design systems for services and goods physical distribution.
To solve production, organizational, and related problems effectively, industrial engineers must cautiously study the production, product, and the industrial requirements using the operations research, information systems, design manufacturing, and mathematical methods necessary to meet those demands. To help in cost analysis, financial planning, and design control systems and production planning and to ensure product quality and coordinate activities, industrial engineers formulate management control systems. The industrial engineer determines the best location for a plant taking into consideration the availability of raw materials, costs, and transportation facilities. To control various devices and activities such as robots and assembly lines, industrial engineers use computers. Successful industrial engineers require skills and abilities such as, critical thinking using reasoning and logic, effective time management, complex problem solving skills to develop, evaluate, and implement solutions, computer skills, and excellent communication skills.
The employment growth for industrial engineers will continue to be at an average rate compared to other occupations, through 2014. As firms and manufacturers work to increase productivity and reduce costs, they will require more industrial engineers with the expertise to develop and implement more efficient and effective processes to reduce waste, delays, and costs. Many industrial engineers work in large firms, manufacturing or accept employment with the state, federal, or local government. Others are self-employed and work as consultants for various companies, accept positions as administrators and managers or work with manufacturers of industrial equipment.