What are the deviations in general activities and expectations of Industrial Engineering department in apparel industries?

Generally in Bangladeshi apparel industries industrial engineering department contribute a little than the expectation from them and in maximum factories this department is as a show. But if industrial engineering department can focus their knowledge and activities in major two areas (I.e. factory cost reduction & maximize CM earning) then that department can be magic stone or role players of Bangladeshi apparel industries. Generally in the following cases we can mark the deviation:

1. Operation development:
Very few industrial engineers utilize their knowledge & experience in operation development. But it is very essential to focus on that case because through the continuous operation development we can simplify our operation, reduce possibility of operation deviation (I.e. defects), and reduce operating cost. Therefore we can surpass our competitors with low production cost & better product quality.

2. Problem solving:
It is very rare that industrial engineers attack the root cause of the problem. Instead of this they seek for temporary solutions. They never think that, that problems may arise again. Actually we should make some core projects to identify & eliminate the root causes of the problem. If we can do that projects in a proper manner then it can be guaranteed that our organization will face minimum problems and infrequently that ultimately will help to reduce production loss time and may ensure right first time product quality.


3. Motivation:
Motivation is a key factor of getting better performance from an employee. How many industrial engineers have the tendency of getting better performance from the sewing staffs, quality staffs, mechanics and operators through motivating them? We should always think for new effective motivational tricks to motivate our colleagues, juniors and seniors in some cases. If we can do this properly then it will be very easy to implement and sustain new tools and techniques quickly which ultimately will help for further operation development.

4. Training:
We have few examples that industrial engineers train relevant employees on relevant topics. Industrial engineers must prepare training materials on some core tools related to factory cost (I.e. operator skill upgrading, Zero defect operator, line balancing , efficiency etc.)  on regular basis. If we can do this in a proper way then it will be easier growing the importance of that tools to them and they will help in every steps of implementing that tools. They will also respect the IE team and will be always ready to give their best effort for the well being of organization.

Conclusion:

Every industrial engineer engaged in apparel industries must always think of how to create value for the organization instead of being as a show piece of organization.

By:
Md. Jabed Hasan
Industrial Engineer, Epyllion group