Industrial Engineering Group
Optimising systems, improving efficiency, and advancing industrial engineering practice.
About the Industrial Engineering Group
This group is for industrial engineers, process engineers, operations managers, lean practitioners, supply chain specialists, and systems engineers working in manufacturing and service industries.
The sector covers lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, process optimisation, supply chain management, operations research, and systems engineering. IIESMS has been the 79th Chapter of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers since 1996, and this group reflects that heritage.
Regulatory and Standards Framework
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 - Industrial engineers must ensure that process improvements and systems changes maintain or improve workplace safety standards
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems - The international standard for quality management systems, widely adopted in Irish manufacturing and relevant to industrial engineering practice
ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety - The international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, integrating safety into operational management
EU Machinery Directive - Requirements for the design, manufacture, and use of machinery, relevant to industrial engineers working with production equipment
Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 - Environmental compliance requirements affecting industrial operations, waste management, and emissions control
The Industrial Engineering Group supports members in understanding and applying these requirements in their professional practice, ensuring that their work meets the standards expected by employers, regulators, and the public.
Key Focus Areas
The Industrial Engineering Group organises its activities around six core focus areas that reflect the breadth of professional practice in this discipline.
Process Optimisation
Applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimise production processes, reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance quality in manufacturing and service operations.
Operations Management
Designing and managing operational systems including production planning, scheduling, capacity management, and performance measurement to maximise efficiency and meet customer requirements.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Optimising supply chain networks, inventory management, distribution systems, and logistics operations to reduce costs, improve service levels, and build resilient supply chains.
Quality Management
Implementing and maintaining quality management systems under ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards, including statistical process control, root cause analysis, and quality improvement programmes.
Automation and Digital Transformation
Integrating automation, robotics, data analytics, and digital technologies into industrial operations to improve productivity, flexibility, and decision-making across manufacturing and service environments.
Lean Six Sigma
Leading Lean Six Sigma programmes from Yellow Belt through Master Black Belt, applying DMAIC methodology, value stream mapping, and statistical analysis to eliminate waste and reduce variation.
Sector Committee and Governance
The Industrial Engineering Group is led by a dedicated sector committee comprising experienced professionals drawn from across the discipline. Committee members represent consulting, in-house, regulatory, and academic perspectives, ensuring that the group's activities reflect the full breadth of professional practice.
The committee meets regularly to discuss emerging issues, plan CPD events, coordinate responses to government consultations, and set the strategic direction of the group. Committee meetings provide a forum for members to raise concerns, share intelligence on regulatory developments, and identify priority topics for professional development activities.
All group members are welcome to participate in committee activities. Active committee participation is recognised as a valuable form of CPD and develops leadership skills, professional networks, and a deeper understanding of the strategic context of your discipline. If you are interested in joining the committee, contact the group chair or the Institute at [email protected].
Professional Development and Career Progression
Members of the Industrial Engineering Group can pursue specialist professional recognition through two discipline-specific grades: Industrial Engineer (IndEng.IIESMS) for professionals with an NFQ Level 7 qualification and 2 years of industrial engineering experience, and Certified Industrial Engineer (CIndEng.IIESMS) for those with an NFQ Level 8 qualification and 4 years of experience.
The Lean Six Sigma alignment of the IIESMS grading framework is particularly relevant to industrial engineering members. Core membership grades correspond to belt levels - Student to White Belt, Associate to Yellow Belt, through to Fellow at Master Black Belt. This dual recognition means that Lean Six Sigma certification directly supports IIESMS grade progression.
CPD Activities
The Industrial Engineering Group organises CPD activities focused on the practical challenges of industrial engineering in Irish industry:
- Technical seminars on current standards, legislation, and best practice
- Site visits and practical demonstrations relevant to the discipline
- Networking events connecting members with peers across Ireland
- Webinars on emerging topics, research findings, and regulatory updates
- Conference presentations and panel discussions
- Mentoring and knowledge-sharing with early-career members
The optional IISE subscription (EUR 80 per year) provides additional CPD opportunities through international conferences, publications, and webinars from the global industrial engineering community.
How to Get Involved
Join the Industrial Engineering Group in four steps.
Join IIESMS
Apply for membership at the grade matching your qualifications and experience. Visit the memberships page to find the right grade for you.
Select Your Sector
Indicate your interest in the Industrial Engineering Group during the application process or contact the Institute to be added to this sector group.
Attend Events
Participate in sector-specific events, webinars, and networking sessions organised by the Industrial Engineering Group throughout the year.
Contribute
Join the committee, present at events, mentor early-career members, or contribute to policy submissions. Your expertise helps advance professional standards across Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the IIESMS Industrial Engineering Group
Any IIESMS member working in or aspiring to work in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations management, lean manufacturing, quality management, or supply chain management can join the group.
IIESMS is the 79th Chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). Members can opt for a subsidised IISE subscription at EUR 80 per year, gaining access to international publications, conferences, and a global professional network.
Industrial Engineer (IndEng.IIESMS) requires NFQ Level 7 and 2 years of experience. Certified Industrial Engineer (CIndEng.IIESMS) requires NFQ Level 8 and 4 years of experience. Both are EUR 295 per year with 30 hours CPD.
IIESMS core grades are aligned with Lean Six Sigma belt levels. White Belt corresponds to Student, Yellow Belt to Associate, Green Belt to Technician, Black Belt to Graduate Member and Member, and Master Black Belt to Fellow.
Yes. Manufacturing engineering, production management, process engineering, and quality management are all within the scope of the Industrial Engineering Group.
Yes. Automation, robotics, data analytics, and digital technologies in industrial settings are increasingly important areas of practice covered by the group's CPD programme.
Join the sector committee, present at group events, contribute to IIESMS submissions on industrial policy, or mentor early-career members. Contact the group chair or the Institute to get involved.
Lean Six Sigma training, quality management system auditing, operations research, process improvement projects, manufacturing technology seminars, and supply chain management courses all count towards CPD requirements.
Explore Other Sector Groups
IIESMS members can engage with multiple sector groups. Discover related disciplines and expand your professional network.
Fire Safety Group
Fire risk assessment, fire detection and alarm systems, passive fire protection, emergency response planning, and fire safety management.
Safety & Health Group
Occupational health and safety, risk assessment, safety management systems, workplace safety legislation, and compliance.
Healthcare Group
Non-clinical safety in healthcare environments including fire safety, facilities management, and safety in hospitals and nursing homes.
Facilities Management Group
Building services, maintenance engineering, energy management, space planning, asset management, and facility operations.
Get involved
Join IIESMS and select the Industrial Engineering Group. Two specialist grades available: IndEng.IIESMS and CIndEng.IIESMS.