They are more concerned with people and methods of business organization than are engineers in other specialties, who generally work more with products or processes. To solve organizational, production, and related problems most efficiently, industrial engineers design data processing systems and apply mathematical analysis such as operations research. They also develop management control systems to aid in financial planning and cost analysis, design production planning and control systems to coordinate activities and control product quality, and design or improve systems for the physical distribution of goods and services. Industrial engineers conduct surveys to find plant locations with the best combination of raw materials, transportation, and taxes. They also develop wage and salary administration systems and job evaluation programs.
Many industrial engineers move into management positions because the work is closely related.
Productivity Few issues are more important to industry and government today than how to improve productivity. From the offices of corporate presidents to the floors of modern factories, new ways of getting work done are being intensely studied, and where work methods are at issue, industrial engineers play a leading role.