Understanding Industrial Engineering and Management

Industrial engineering and engineering management are interdisciplinary fields that combine the principles of engineering and management to optimize the production and delivery of products and services. While both disciplines share a common goal of efficiency, they approach this goal from different angles and with distinct sets of skills.

Industrial Engineering

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Process Optimization

Industrial engineering is a Bachelor's degree that focuses on the human and manufacturing systems using an engineering approach. Industrial engineers use engineering mathematics, operations research, and their expertise in human and manufacturing systems to develop and improve complex systems. These systems involve elements such as people, materials, information, and energy.

An industrial engineer's primary responsibility is to handle the technical aspects of making or processing something, whether it be a car or a can of Coke. This involves multiple specialties, including process improvement, systems design, and human factors. They are concerned with the 'how' of production, ensuring that processes are efficient and cost-effective.

Engineering Management

Management of Systems and Resources

Engineering management, on the other hand, is a Master of Science degree that focuses on the management of systems and resources. This discipline combines engineering knowledge with business and management principles to create strategies and policies that optimize operations. While related to industrial engineering, engineering management places a greater emphasis on the strategic and administrative aspects of business.

An engineering manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the overall system, including all steps and equipment involved in the manufacturing process. They ensure that the system as a whole is efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with business goals.

Commonalities and Differences

A Shared Focus on Optimization

Both industrial engineering and engineering management share a common goal of optimization. However, they approach this goal from different perspectives. Industrial engineering focuses on the technical aspects, while engineering management focuses on the strategic and administrative aspects.

The Role of Mechanical Engineers

I, as a mechanical engineer with an MSc in engineering management, have experienced a range of professionals in my classes. We had industrial engineers, software engineers, and even civil engineers. Each brought a unique perspective to the field, and together, we created strategies and systems that maximized efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

In essence, industrial engineering and engineering management are branches of engineering that deal with the optimization of complex processes or systems. Industrial engineering focuses on the technical aspects, while engineering management focuses on the strategic and administrative aspects. Both are vital in ensuring that organizations are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with their goals.