Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering - Prof. dr. R.J. Boucherie

Masters involved: Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering and Management

Contributing Institutes: CTIT, AIDA, Felab, CHOIR


IE is concerned with the design and improvement of operational and strategic processes and integrated systems. These processes or systems provide products or services to customers or to the society at large. The design and improvement of processes and systems considers multiple goals concerning time, money, materials, energy and other resources. Several organizations and multiple stakeholders often are involved (supply chains, alliances, public-private partnerships) and governance structures can be part of design and improvement initiatives.

IE is used in a variety of fields, such as manufacturing, logistics, product development, construction, information and telecommunication, finance, energy, transportation and healthcare. The term “industrial” can be misleading; this does not mean just manufacturing. It encompasses service industries as well. It has long been known that industrial engineers have the technical training to make improvements in a manufacturing setting. Now it is becoming increasingly recognized that these same techniques can be used to evaluate and improve productivity and quality in a wide variety of service industries, as well as in the public sector.

IE is a field of engineering and one important element of its approach to the design and improvement of processes and systems is the use of quantitative methods. These are derived from fields such as operations research, management science, mathematics, economics, statistics, information systems, and engineering.

IE draws upon specialized knowledge and (analytical) skills in the mathematical, physical, and social sciences, together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design. Unlike traditional disciplines in engineering, IE addresses the role of human decision-makers and other stakeholders as key contributors to the inherent complexity of systems.

IEs are problem solvers. They work on real-world problems, combine disciplines, and develop project and process-management expertise and communication skills. IEs can have various undergraduate backgrounds in engineering and other quantitative fields. Key skills and qualities that they will need to possess are:

- Resourcefulness and creative problem solving

- Keen analytic mindset and modeling aptitude

- Good mathematics skills

- A fascination for technology and technological innovation

- Inquisitive mind and continuous desire to learn and improve

- Good common sense

- A strong desire for organization and efficiency

- Excellent communication, listing, and negotiation skills

- Ability to adapt to many environments, wear many hats, and interact with a diverse group of individuals

Industrial engineering is also known as operations management, operations research, production engineering, or manufacturing engineering; a distinction that seems to depend on the viewpoint or motives of the user. In healthcare, for example, IEs are more commonly known as management engineers, engineering management, or even health systems engineers.