IE originated during World War II as a way of thinking systematically about the logistical challenges of supplying food, medicine and equipment to field personnel. Today, IE is concerned with improving quality, affordability, productivity, safety and environmental compatibility in manufacturing and service industries.
Industrial engineers observe processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make improvements.
They find the best way for firms to produce goods and services whether that firm is an airline, hospital, utility service, government agency or university. The Department of Labor also estimated that the demand for industrial engineers will soon exceed the supply by more than three times. Top companies like Coca-Cola, UPS, Disney, IBM, Levi Strauss, Nike, The Gap, Intel, Toyota, Microsoft, Motorola and Boeing actively recruit industrial engineers as do government agencies, the armed forces, universities and nonprofit organizations. Experienced in the most modern tools and techniques, industrial engineers are uniquely qualified to influence the way the world does business. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. programs teach leading-edge techniques for understanding systems, streamlining processes, and increasing the overall efficiency of manufacturing and industrial organizations.