Industrial engineering : Areas of expertise

On demand

o Investigate problems relating to component quality or difficulties in meeting design and method constraints.

o Investigate problems with the performance of processes or machines.

o Implement design changes at the appropriate times.

Specifically per product (short term)

o 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.

o 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.

o 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. These times are also used in value analysis.

o 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.

Specifically per process (medium term)

o Determine the maintenance plan for that process.

o 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.

o 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.

Generically (long term)

o 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.

o Training of new workers in the techniques required to operate the machines or assembly processes.

o Project planning to achieve timely introduction of new products and processes or changes to them.

o 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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