Introduction to Industrial and Systems Engineering

Book Synopsis: This is not a typical college textbook. This book focuses on the knowledge and skills that an engineer needs to know in order to be successful in his or her chosen career as an industrial engineer or as a systems engineer.

In each chapter the topics are explained in a conversational manner and a college degree in engineering is not necessary to be able to understand and master the skills presented in this book. Technical words and engineering terms are carefully explained using simple words. Practical examples are used to demonstrate how to work each of the equations presented in this book. The final answer to each equation is then interpreted in practical terms that explains how the answer could be used to make a good engineering decision or a good management decision.

This book can help anyone who desires to know and understand the concepts and techniques that an industrial engineer uses to help an organization become more efficient and more profitable. For example, a manager, quality specialist, production supervisor, or an engineer could benefit from reading this book. This includes mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, management engineers, manufacturing engineers, industrial engineers, systems engineers, and anyone else whose job requires them to do industrial and systems engineering work but who does not have an engineering background or degree.

This book is a “lean” book. It clearly and concisely covers each topic without including any extras, such as cases studies, or equation proofs or derivations. Anyone interested in a proof or derivation can easily find that information at a variety of websites by doing a simple internet search.

This book includes a condensed explanation of probability theory, statistics, linear regression, reliability, acceptance sampling, control charts, lean six sigma, human factors engineering, safety, work measurement, forecasting, production and inventory control, material handling, plant layout, costing methods, financial analysis, and engineering economy. The author has taught college courses in all of the preceding topics at either the undergraduate or graduate level from 1984 to 2019.

From 1982 to 2019 the author has also done industrial engineering consulting work for dozens of organizations such as: Alemite Corp., Amoco, Anheuser-Busch, Bartow County Bank, Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Ciba-Vision, Consolidated Groceries, Delta Airlines, Equifax, EMS Inc., FedEx, General Motors, Georgia Marble, Georgia Power, Heatlhcare Atlanta, Herman Miller Furniture, Home Depot, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Marta, Motorola, Nationwide Credit, Porex, Scientific Atlanta, Scovill Fasteners, Siemens, Southern Mills, Southwire, U.S. Can, U.S. Navy, Wayne Farms, and ZF Industries.

This book discusses the concept in each chapter from a traditional perspective without relying on computer software. After you understand how these concepts actually work and when they should be used, then it is not too difficult to learn how to use a software program that will generate the answers for you. However, since software programs are updated and changed every two or three years, this book does not recommend or explain how to use specific software programs.

Finally, in order to keep the publisher’s recommended retail price of this book as low as possible, this book does not contain any color pictures because color pictures increase the printing cost by about 400%. The low retail price of this book should make it affordable for anyone who is interested in learning the knowledge and skills described in this book.