Industrial Engineering - Definition - Knowledge Base

Here is the definition from the American Institute of Industrial Engineers :


"Industrial Engineering is concerned with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, equipment, and energy. It draws upon specialized knowledge and skills in the mathematical, physical and social sciences together with the principles and method of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict, and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems."

http://ie.cankaya.edu.tr/dept/deptbot_en.htm



According to The Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), "Industrial Engineering is concerned with the design, installation, and improvement of integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment, and energy by drawing upon specialized knowledge and skills in the 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://www.engr.utk.edu/ie/faq.htm




The definition emphasizes "the design, installation, and improvement of integrated systems". But the disciplines does not have enough focused content on design of integrated systems and installation of integrated systems.

What special knowledge and techniques do industrial engineers bring to the design process of systems which are unique to it and not common with other engineering disciplines and management functions. Industrial engineers have not identified their unique set of concepts in this area.

Similarly in installation of systems area also industrial engineers have not develop a unique set of concepts and skills.

Industrial engineering curriculums should be built around the three areas that the definition emphasizes.

Design of systems

Installation of systems

Improvement of systems

The subjects that fall under these three categories need to be identified very clearly and communicated to the students. Textbooks are to be created for supporting the curriculum.