Encroaching Ethical Issues

A company looking to improve their processes with speeding up systems, perfecting quality assurance, or increasing profit margins may want to consider hiring an Industrial Engineer. The company, however, must also consider the ethics of the Industrial Engineer. Industrial Engineers are encouraged to follow the Code of Ethics created by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. To read the list of fundamental principles and fundamental canons go to http://www.iienet2.org/Details.aspx?id=299.

One of the main focus points of ethical codes across multiple fields is safety. A large portion of Industrial Engineers work with the relationship between man and machine; therefore, safety maintains a particularly high status. In some cases, Industrial Engineers have compromised those ethical standards to simply please the company they are working with. In the engineering world, this is highly looked down upon. A potential injury or death of a worker should not be compromised for a slight increase in profit. With the current economic times, too many companies are deciding to sway on the ethics they uphold to maintain their business. An Industrial Engineer endorsing the Code of Ethics should come to realize that there may be potential to jeopardize the very first fundamental principle which is “Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession by using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare…”. Industrial Engineers, or any engineers, must have the professional strength the hold their ground when ethical issues are being threatened.

A particularly large amount of cases in which workers have been harmed in an industrial setting can be seen in large manufacturing facilities where conditions of the building and the working environment are not upheld. The engineers may not be to blame in each case, however, it should cause an engineer and a company to rethink making drastic changes to a facility layout or work space. Those tragic cases should also cause a company and its Industrial Engineering committee to consider the current working conditions and if any improvements need to be implemented.

An organization that has been started to regulate the saftey of employees in the workplace is Occupational Saftey and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is the main federal agancy that enforces saftey regulations for companies. The federal government became aware of the fact that eomployees were suffering from injuries and health problems because there was not a set standard for each organization. Since 1970, OSHA has worked its way into the typical workplace of the employee to analyse and regulate saftey and health. The positive results from OSHA can been seen in the decreased number of work-related deaths from 2010 with 4,690 to 2011 when 4,609 deaths occured. The decrease may be due to better education or saftey at work, more enforcement of the regulations, or more concern for the employees within each company. However, we do know that with the help of the Industrial Engineers working to improve saftey at with OSHA are leading a path in industry for a safer work environment. More information, statistics, and cases from OSHA is accesable through https://www.osha.gov/index.html.

With the help of OSHA, more and more companies are beginning to see the clear line between efficiency and saftey. Also, for those companies that choose to continually push the limits are repromanded by OSHA and in some cases fined substancial amounts to compensate for the poor status of their saftey regulations. OSHA has taugh companies that saftey comes as the main concern when first trying to improve efficiency. When a worker is in the slightest amount of danger, the company is required to have saftey training sessions to make  health issues aware to the employees. Efficiency is no longer the number one priority when an employees health or saftey is at stake. The laws and regulations laid out to clearly define the boundary the saftey needs that must be met before efficiency changes to occur are found at https://www.osha.gov/law-regs.html.
 

Many companies have started a great leap forward in positively changing their working conditions. These companies have started seeking Industrial Engineers to start various safety and process and improvement teams. As the industrial marketplace prospers due to new technologies, Industrial Engineers are needed to guide the company along the path to both increasing profit and maintaining safe working conditions. That is why it is utterly invaluable to have an Industrial Engineer that has studied and upholds the core principles and canons of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

In the end, a company and an engineer need to evaluate their ethical code and the codes of those they are working with. The concern for economic growth within the company should be the driving force to continually improve working conditions, speed up systems, and improve quality assurance all while maintaining the proper perspective of the Code of Ethics for engineers. That is why it is important for all types of engineers to be aware of the encroaching ethical problems pushed aside by many companies and be able to endorse the Code of Ethics. 

Disney Revolutionizes Industrial Engineering

The big question for an Industrial Engineer is to ask how do you make a system more efficient. The engineers at Disney, also known as the imagineers, have devised a method to tremendously cut back on time across each of the 24 resorts, four theme parks, two water parks, and additional venues. Instead of using the typical paper tickets, Disney has created the MyMagic+ system. It is a rubber bracelet encoded with all necessary information including park passes, credit cards, and even room numbers. This system is revolutionary and means big changes in the theme park industry for Industrial Engineers.

From an Industrial Engineering viewpoint, MyMagic+ is not only a great way to reduce wait time outside the park but inside as well. The MyMagic+ bracelets will have capabilities for the user to add credit card information as well as room information. This means that carrying a wallet or purse around the park will no longer be necessary. When a family wants to buy something for dinner, payment is as simple as lifting the bracelet to a scanner (that has light up Mickey Mouse ears of course). Disney has introduced information and access to the MyMagic+ system at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/passholder/.

The imagineers were not only thinking of the short term benefits for the vacationer but the longer term benefits for the park as well. The MyMagic+ system is also designed to build loyalty. The Industrial Engineers probably had this type of thinking; if a family enjoys their time at Disney longer due to shorter lines, ease of payment, and increased overall experience, they are more likely to come back or highly recommend the park to friends and family. This is an ingenious method to boosting attendance and revenue.

Any great advancement in engineering, such as this, will have its appeals as well as draw backs. One primary concern with these bracelets is the privacy and security due to its extensive range of capabilities. Since every family member will need a brecelet, many parents are concerned about how much information is released about their child. Disney has solved this problem by providing parents with the ability to allow only certian bits of information to be programmed into each child's bracelet. Another concern for a number of park visitors is the credit card information avaiable on the bracelet if it is lost or stolen. Information as to how Disney has solved this problem is not yet available, however, Disney will use their many imagineers to devise a reliable and secure system.

For an Industrial Engineer working with a theme park, or any system with large crowds and long lines, finding new and innovative ways to cut back on line wait times is a breakthrough. Engineers can find small ways to cut back the time like fast ticket readers or more lines, but when Disney announced the release of their new MyMagic+ it was a whole new ballgame. With Disney's ranking as the largest amusement park in the world, parks are bound to take note of their system and try it out themselves. Many other theme parks will be bringing Industrial Engineers on board to have them creating similar systems in no time.

In the world of Industrial Engineering, MyMagic+ is a going to entail big changes. Down the road, Industrial Engineers will be able to implement technology like MyMagic+ in more typical places such as airports and restaurants. This technology may not come in the form of a bracelet but possibly a device built into your cell phone. Such technology would entail the ability to simply place your cellphone on a type of scanner to use your credit card or read your airplane tickets. Imagine not having to use your wallet when dining at a fast food chain or a restaurant. It's only a matter of time before engineers make this dream a reality.

To read more on the capabilities of the bracelets and a few words from the creators visit http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/business/media/at-disney-parks-a-bracelet-meant-to-build-loyalty-and-sales.html?_r=3&.

Microsoft Visio for an Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers must use up to date technologies to achieve the most efficient and effective system. There are many different computer programs to assist and engineer in any field. A few of the basic programs that are necessary for must engineers to have knowledge in are Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. However, Industrial Engineers tend to have a need for programs that allow them to create easy charts, graphs, and various documents. A well-known, widely used program is Microsoft Visio. This program allows the user to create flow charts and layouts using templates, shapes, and graphs.

Microsoft Visio Example

A large aspect of the typical job description for an Industrial Engineer entails creating diagrams to test newly designed or reconfigured facility layouts. They layouts make it simple for an engineer to create unique layouts with the capability to make revisions easily. An Industrial Engineer will also use time trials acquired from observation to analyze the proper layout. Not only is Visio a very user friendly program, but it allows for easy sharing between users. This capability is a great aspect for the business world. In the business world, multiple engineers work on a project and share their professional opinion in order to create the best system. Therefore, a program that allows for easy access sharing is essential to a project.

 

Smartdraw Example

Microsoft Visio is not the only software available for creation of flow charts and layouts. There are alternative programs such as one of Visio’s largest competitors, Smartdraw. The obvious advantage to Smartdraw over Visio is the price. Visio Professional is about $600, while Smartdraw Business is selling for only $300. For the young engineer concerned with money, Smartdraw will have the immediate appeal due to the large price difference. Another advantage is that Smartdraw has over 1900 pre-installed templates for documents as opposed to Visio’s 70. A feature that is less used however advertised as an advantage is the ability to integrate Google maps with the document created. However, the overall functionality and visuals within Smartdraw are not as high of quality as Microsoft Visio.



Side-by-side comparison of Smartdraw (Left) to Visio (Right)

Both Visio and Smartdraw provide the basic functional tools necessary to create a diagram. Smartdraw, however, seems to have a few funtional limitaitions when it comes to the details of the program. The first example is shown when using the stencils. Both programs use stencils, but only Microsoft Visio provides the use with the capability to create an endless number of custom stencils. Smartdraw does not allow the user to create any custom stencils. Another drawback for is Smartdraw is the overall response time to rendering and editing projects is delayed which can be very cumbersome at times. This wait time may not be ideal to the engineer working on a project in a time crunch. The following link highlights some of the top features Microsoft Visio provides to the user http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/microsoft-visio-2013-top-features-diagram-software-FX103796044.aspx.

In the end, the user must decide what the best option is. Using my research, I’ve come to the conclusion that Smartdraw is a more basic program. Smartdraw is a great introduction to the variations of programs Industrial Engineers may use. Therefore it does not have quite as nice of a final professional look as opposed to Microsoft Visio. Visio takes more practice and experience to complete a desired professional look. Visual appeal is key to most all engineers, therefore, Microsoft Visio’s professional looking product is a more realistic tool to apply in the work force over Smartdraw. Microsoft Visio is more widely known and more appealing on a resume. For many employers, the Microsoft programs are the professional standard. This was evident upon reviewing Industrial Engineer job descriptions. With a vast majority of the job descriptions, it was explicitly laid out that the engineer must have knowledge and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio. When analyzing the typical job of an Industrial Engineer, it was evident that using programs such as Microsoft Visio are essential to assisting an engineer create unique systems that achieve effectiveness and efficiency.

Readers that desire to have another opinion on the matter may visit http://flowchart-software-review.toptenreviews.com/visio-review.html. This link provides a review of Microsoft Visio based on diagramming tools, chart organizational tools, text & graphic tools, easy of use, and help & support.

Listed below is a link to learn more about Micrsoft Visio and its capabilities. 

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/

Industrial Engineering Explained

Although Industrial Engineering may not be the most well-known area of engineering, this field continues to grow and prosper no thanks growing developments in technology. But many people don’t have a clear understanding of what industrial engineering entails. Have you ever wondered how the extensive check-in lines at the airport are arranged? Or who designed a hospital’s emergency room layout? Most likely these were done by an Industrial Engineer. Industrial Engineers study, design, and implement systems to increase efficiency and productivity. For those who decide to dabble in this particular field of engineering, one needs to be able to use unique problem solving skills, creativity, and study processes to improve a system. Many Industrial Engineers excel quickly in the chain of command due to their knowledge of processes and skill sets. An Industrial Engineer can often serve as the mediating project manager between the various engineering field such as civil, mechanical, and chemical.

Typical work for an Industrial Engineer is different than most other types of technical positions. Industrial Engineering focusses more on the interaction between man and machine as opposed to a Mechanical Engineer who primarily focusses on the design and functionality of the machine itself. Some may say it is “engineering people”. In order to improve the man to machine interaction, many Industrial Engineers conduct time studies. With the acquired information, comparisons are made against the industry or company standards. An Industrial Engineer then designs a unique method for the company to try to reduce waste time and material. In the case of a hospital emergency room, the engineer may study how long it takes a patient to be processed through the system from the time of arrival to departure. Another aspect an Industrial Engineer in the healthcare area may do is design an exclusive and appropriate facility layout for the emergency room to best facilitate speed and quality care.

As a student majoring in Industrial Engineering and Management, I am continually learning and exploring all there is to offer in this large field. Although there may be many different concepts to master, a few key ideas and practices tend to stand out. Efficiency is essential to an Industrial Engineer. In the end, the primary goal is to achieve the most efficient system possible using the resources available to the company. With the rapid developments in new technology, Industrial Engineers make it a point to continually revamp systems with the new technology to maintain an efficient work environment.   Another essential element to Industrial Engineering is quality. While efficiency is key, quality must be maintained in any type of system. An engineer may achieve a highly efficient system, however it means nothing if the quality of the product of service is not increased or ats least maintained.

Industrial Engineering is a great field to become involved with because there can always be improvements to any system. The world will continually need Industrial Engineers to asses and implement systems, because no system can ever be absolutely perfect. The great advancements in technology simply do not allow for a system to become completely pristine. Not only do these engineers work in factories to increase product flow, but they work within the community in places such as hospitals, airports, and theme parks to enhance the experience of the everyday patient, traveler, or vacationer.

For those who are interested in learning more about the field, the following link to the Institue of Industrial Engineers website is a great way to discover different aspects of the field and news. http://www.iienet2.org/. Also, to read more about the general job description of an Indutrial Engineer check out http://careerthoughts.com/industrial-engineer-jobs.