Table of Contents
What is industrial engineering?
Where does industrial engineering come from? A brief history
What areas of knowledge does industrial engineering cover?
How does industrial engineering differ from other engineering disciplines?
What sort of background do you need to study industrial engineering?
In which sectors is industrial engineering applied?
How can you train in industrial engineering at the highest level?
What is industrial engineering?
Industrial engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on the optimisation of integrated systems comprising people, machines, materials, energy and information. Its aim is not to design a single technical component, but to ensure that all elements of a production process function in a coordinated, efficient and cost-effective manner.
The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), a global authority in this discipline, defines it as the field responsible for the design, improvement and implementation of integrated systems, drawing on mathematics, physics, the social sciences and engineering analysis methods.
In practice, this means that an industrial engineer might be redesigning the assembly line at a car manufacturing plant, planning the logistics for a distribution operator, or assessing the energy efficiency of an industrial facility.
Where does industrial engineering come from? A brief history
To understand what industrial engineering is today, it is worth knowing where it came from. This discipline emerged in the wake of the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries. With the advent of the first mechanised factories, managing human labour and productive resources in a rational manner became an urgent necessity.
The American Frederick Winslow Taylor was one of its key driving forces. In the late 19th century, he developed what was known as the Scientific Organisation of Work, a methodology for systematically studying and optimising every work task. His work transformed the way industrial production was understood forever.
He was followed by figures such as Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, pioneers in time and motion analysis, and Henry Ford, whose assembly line redefined mass production. Throughout the 20th century, the discipline incorporated new tools: operational research, applied statistics, business information systems and, more recently, artificial intelligence and big data analysis.
What areas of knowledge does industrial engineering cover?
One of the great strengths of this degree programme is its breadth. It is not limited to a single technical field, but integrates several complementary areas which, together, shape the profile of an engineer capable of working in a wide variety of settings:
- Production design and management. Planning of manufacturing systems, quality control, stock management and production scheduling.
- Industrial organisation and process improvement. Analysis and redesign of production processes to make them more efficient and sustainable, applying methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
- Logistics and supply chain. Management of the flow of materials and information from suppliers to the end customer, one of the most strategic areas in the globalised economy.
- Operations research. Mathematical and statistical models to optimise complex decisions: distribution routes, resource allocation and project scheduling.
- Project management and quality engineering. Methodologies for planning, executing and monitoring projects, and statistical techniques to ensure quality standards are met.
- Automation, robotics and Industry 4.0. With the fourth industrial revolution, industrial engineers must also master control systems, robotics and data analysis, which are transforming the factories of the future.
How does industrial engineering differ from other engineering disciplines?
It’s a common question: what distinguishes industrial engineering from mechanical, electrical or computer engineering? The answer lies in its systemic and interdisciplinary approach.
Whilst mechanical engineering focuses on the design of physical components or computer engineering on software development, industrial engineering takes a holistic view: it does not design the machine, but rather the entire system in which that machine operates. This involves deciding who operates it, when it is maintained, how it integrates with the rest of the process and how much it costs to run.
| Discipline | Main focus |
| Mechanics | Design of machines and mechanical systems |
| Electrical / Electronics | Electrical and Electronic Systems |
| Computer Science | Software and Information Systems |
| Industrial | Optimisation of complete production systems |
| Civil | Infrastructure and civil engineering |
| Chemical | Physical-chemical transformation processes |
This broad perspective means that industrial engineers are, by nature, versatile and strategic professionals, capable of working with a wide variety of technical teams and making decisions that have a direct impact on business results.
What sort of person are you looking for to study industrial engineering?
There is no single type of person who fits this degree programme, but there are certain skills and attitudes that make a difference:
- Analytical and systems thinking. The ability to break down a complex problem whilst maintaining an overview of the whole.
- A focus on continuous improvement. A proactive mindset to identify inefficiencies and propose concrete solutions.
- Communication skills. Industrial engineers work with people from very different backgrounds, so being able to convey ideas clearly is essential.
- Proficiency in quantitative tools. Statistics, simulation software, basic programming (Python, R) and management systems such as ERP.
- Leadership skills. Particularly in roles such as production manager, head of operations or project manager.
- Strategic business vision. Understanding how operational decisions impact the company’s profitability.
The most important thing is not to master all of this from day one. The training programme itself is designed so that you develop these skills progressively.
In which sectors is industrial engineering applied?
Industrial engineering cuts across the economy. Wherever there is a process to improve or a resource to manage, there is a role for this type of professional. The sectors with the highest demand include manufacturing and the automotive industry, logistics and transport, the pharmaceutical and food industries, operations consultancy, the energy sector and healthcare services.
If you’d like to know exactly which companies and roles a graduate might work in, we explain this in detail in our article on the career prospects in industrial engineering.
How can you train in industrial engineering to the highest standard?
In Spain, entry into the profession of industrial engineer involves a two-stage training programme: a four-year Bachelor’s degree and a qualifying Master’s degree. This structure, established by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), is what distinguishes a technical engineer from a fully qualified engineer, the latter being authorised to sign off on projects and act as a technical director in regulated industries.
The Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering is, therefore, the qualification that grants you full professional practising rights. At UAX, you can undertake this programme through the Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering (HCAP), an officially recognised programme that combines a solid technical foundation with a practical focus and close links to the real industrial sector.
If you already hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology Engineering (GITI) or another related engineering degree, this master’s programme is the natural next step to complete your training and gain access to projects of greater scope and responsibility.
Summary
Industrial engineering is much more than just a technical qualification. It is an integrative discipline that combines the mathematical and scientific rigour of engineering with the strategic vision of business management. Its ability to be applied across a wide range of sectors and to adapt to technological transformations – from automation to artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 , makes it one of the professions with the brightest prospects for the coming years.
If you are keen to improve systems, lead teams and make decisions that have a real impact on organisations, industrial engineering may be exactly what you are looking for.
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