Industrial and Systems Engineering focus on the development, enhancement, and implementation of complex systems. These integrated systems rely on resources like materials, energy, professional equipment, and human workforce. Both Industrial and Systems Engineering use principles from other areas, like Physics, Mathematics, Social Science, Economics, and Management.
Although they overlap, each discipline trains different types of professionals. Industrial engineers focus on creating a more efficient manufacturing process; in other words, they look for ways to better utilise systems, tools, and schedules. Systems engineers, on the other hand, are more concerned with the mechanical systems themselves. They work with other experts like engineers, programmers, administrators to determine how to improve complex machinery and infrastructure.
Here’s what classes you can expect to take: Physics, Materials Science, Calculus, Production and Inventory Control, Quality Systems, Facilities Planning and Design, Systems Design, Engineering Research Methods, etc.
Universities and engineering schools generally offer either individual Industrial Engineering or Systems Engineering degrees or combined programmes such as Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Career positions in industrial and systems engineering include system analyst, operations engineering, risk adviser, manufacturing supervisor, corporate value consultant, process integration specialist or head of operations.
Due to the versatility of the industrial engineering field, graduates can practice in various industries such as manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, logistics and transportation, information or communication systems, or construction. Industrial engineers work in diverse sectors handling the divisions of production, quality control, warehousing, maintenance, cost planning, purchasing and even human resources or marketing.