Catalog / Industrial Engineering Cheatsheet
Industrial Engineering Cheatsheet
A concise reference for Industrial Engineering principles, methodologies, and tools. This cheatsheet covers topics from work measurement and process improvement to supply chain management and quality control.
Work Measurement and Methods Engineering
Time Study
Definition |
Technique for determining the time required by a qualified worker to perform a task at a defined level of performance. |
Steps |
|
Normal Time |
Observed Time × Performance Rating Factor |
Standard Time |
Normal Time × (1 + Allowance Factor) |
Performance Rating |
Subjective assessment of worker’s pace relative to standard pace (100%). |
Allowances |
Extra time given to workers to compensate for fatigue, personal needs, and unavoidable delays. |
Motion Study
Definition |
Analysis of the basic motions involved in performing an operation. |
Principles of Motion Economy |
Reduce number of motions, use simultaneous motions, use symmetrical motions, minimize distance, use momentum, arrange tools and materials for best sequence. |
Therbligs |
Basic elemental motions used in motion study (e.g., reach, grasp, move, release). |
Micromotion Study |
Detailed motion study using video recording and frame-by-frame analysis. |
SIMO Chart |
Simultaneous Motion Chart; used to record and analyze the simultaneous motions of two hands or other body parts. |
Workplace Layout |
Optimizing arrangement of tools, equipment, and materials to minimize worker movement and improve efficiency. |
Work Sampling
Definition |
Statistical technique used to determine the proportion of time spent by workers in various defined categories of activity. |
Steps |
|
Number of Observations (N) |
N = (z^2 * p * (1-p)) / E^2, where:
|
Confidence Level |
Probability that the true proportion lies within the confidence interval. Common values: 90%, 95%, 99%. |
Random Observations |
Observations must be taken at random times to ensure unbiased data. |
Applications |
Determining machine utilization, estimating allowance factors, analyzing work patterns. |
Facility Layout and Material Handling
Types of Layout
Product Layout |
Arrangement based on the sequence of operations for a specific product (e.g., assembly line). |
Process Layout |
Arrangement based on grouping similar machines or functions together (e.g., machine shop). |
Fixed-Position Layout |
Product remains in a fixed location, and workers and equipment are brought to it (e.g., shipbuilding). |
Cellular Layout |
Grouping dissimilar machines into cells to process families of parts with similar processing requirements. |
Hybrid Layout |
Combination of different layout types to optimize specific objectives. |
Layout Selection |
Depends on product variety, volume, and processing requirements. |
Material Handling Principles
Gravity |
Use gravity to move materials whenever possible (e.g., chutes, conveyors). |
Unit Load |
Handle materials in large unit loads to reduce the number of trips. |
Mechanization |
Use mechanical equipment to reduce manual handling. |
Automation |
Use automated systems to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. |
Standardization |
Use standardized containers and equipment. |
Ergonomics |
Design material handling systems to minimize worker strain and injury. |
Material Handling Equipment
Conveyors |
Belt conveyors, roller conveyors, overhead conveyors. |
Industrial Trucks |
Forklifts, pallet trucks, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). |
Cranes and Hoists |
Overhead cranes, jib cranes, chain hoists. |
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) |
Automated systems for storing and retrieving materials. |
Robotics |
Robots for material handling tasks. |
Selection Criteria |
Distance, volume, frequency, and type of material. |
Quality Control and Management
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Definition |
Use of statistical techniques to monitor and control a process. |
Control Charts |
Graphs used to monitor process stability over time (e.g., X-bar chart, R chart). |
X-bar Chart |
Monitors the average of samples. |
R Chart |
Monitors the range (variability) of samples. |
Control Limits |
Upper Control Limit (UCL) and Lower Control Limit (LCL) define the acceptable range of variation. |
Process Capability |
Measure of how well a process meets specifications. |
Cp (Capability Index) |
Cp = (USL - LSL) / (6 * σ) |
Cpk (Capability Index) |
Cpk = min[(USL - μ) / (3 * σ), (μ - LSL) / (3 * σ)] |
Acceptance Sampling
Definition |
Statistical method used to determine whether to accept or reject a batch of products based on a sample. |
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) |
Maximum percentage of defective items that is considered acceptable. |
LTPD (Lot Tolerance Percent Defective) |
Maximum percentage of defective items that is considered unacceptable. |
Producer’s Risk (α) |
Probability of rejecting a good lot. |
Consumer’s Risk (β) |
Probability of accepting a bad lot. |
Operating Characteristic (OC) Curve |
Graph showing the probability of accepting a lot versus the lot fraction defective. |
Quality Management Systems
ISO 9000 |
International standard for quality management systems. |
Six Sigma |
Methodology for reducing defects and improving process performance. |
Lean Manufacturing |
Systematic method for eliminating waste and improving efficiency. |
Total Quality Management (TQM) |
Management approach focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. |
DMAIC |
Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control; Six Sigma improvement cycle. |
PDCA |
Plan, Do, Check, Act; iterative improvement cycle. |
Supply Chain Management
Inventory Management
EOQ (Economic Order Quantity) |
Optimal order quantity that minimizes total inventory costs. EOQ = \sqrt((2DS)/H) Where:
|
Reorder Point |
Inventory level at which a new order should be placed. Reorder Point = Lead Time Demand + Safety Stock |
Safety Stock |
Extra inventory held to protect against stockouts due to variability in demand or lead time. |
ABC Analysis |
Inventory categorization method based on value and importance (A items: high value, C items: low value). |
Just-in-Time (JIT) |
Inventory management system focused on minimizing inventory levels by receiving materials just when they are needed. |
Inventory Turnover |
Measure of how many times inventory is sold or used in a period. Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory |
Forecasting
Moving Average |
Forecast based on the average of past data points over a specific period. |
Weighted Moving Average |
Forecast based on the weighted average of past data points. |
Exponential Smoothing |
Forecast that uses a smoothing constant to weight recent data more heavily. F_{t+1} = αA_t + (1-α)F_t Where:
|
Regression Analysis |
Statistical method for predicting future values based on the relationship between variables. |
Forecast Error |
Difference between the actual demand and the forecasted demand. |
Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) |
Average absolute difference between actual and forecasted values. MAD = Σ|Actual - Forecast| / n |
Logistics and Distribution
Transportation Modes |
Truck, rail, air, water, pipeline. |
Warehousing |
Storage of goods before distribution. |
Distribution Centers |
Facilities for receiving, storing, and shipping goods. |
Cross-Docking |
Process of receiving goods and immediately shipping them without storage. |
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) |
Outsourcing logistics functions to a third-party provider. |
Reverse Logistics |
Managing the flow of returned goods. |