Industrial engineers design systems for producing goods and providing services. They look for ways to use people and machines most efficiently.

Industrial engineers design systems for:

• Moving heavy parts in a factory
• Assembly line production
• Getting goods to a customer
• Evaluating employees
• Paying employees

Before they can design a new system, industrial engineers review the steps in the work process for the item being produced or the service being offered. They estimate production costs. Engineers study each task that workers perform and the machines they use.

Once they understand the process, engineers determine the best way to modify the work. They may recommend changing the order in which materials are processed or how many steps each worker must complete. They estimate the effects product design changes could have and may also design new equipment.

Some engineers specialize in improving the output from workers. They may suggest ways to encourage workers to work faster or with fewer errors.

Industrial engineers use many tools and techniques in their work, including computers, drafting tools, and statistical software. They write reports and do mathematical calculations to monitor the costs and savings of any changes. They keep detailed records of their ideas, designs, changes, budgets, and any problems.

Industrial engineers talk with vendors, managers, and employees to discuss changes and generate ideas. Any time something goes wrong, engineers step in to determine what happened and what needs to be done to fix it.