Why is there only one handbook for the three branches of engineering? The reason is because the same body of knowledge is used by industrial engineers, systems engineers, and quality engineers. Therefore each of these individuals needs to understand all the concepts in this handbook because the concepts are all interrelated. The primary difference between these three types of engineers is the area in which they specialize. But each of these engineers needs to understand how their decisions impact their entire organization.
Why do engineers need a reference handbook? The reason is because it is relatively easy for most engineers to remember the details of the engineering concepts we use on a regular basis. However, it is not always easy to remember the precise details of engineering concepts we only use occasionally. Although we usually remember the general details about a specific concept, we may not remember all the nuances and equations about the concept. That is why most engineers have a good engineering handbook in their office or somewhere near their desk. When they suspect that a specific concept may be relevant to the engineering decision they currently need to make, then being able to quickly and easily refresh their memories about the exact details of that concept helps them to determine if the concept is relevant to their decision. And if it is relevant then they can quickly and correctly apply the concept using the procedure as explained in the engineering handbook. In most cases the engineer is not learning the concept for the first time. Usually the engineer is simply refreshing his or her memory about a concept that the engineer mastered at some time in the past. But the engineer does not remember the concept and the equations with the precise clarity that is required at the current time. That is why many engineers purchase a good engineering handbook that concisely and clearly explains the engineering concepts they may only need to use occasionally when the need arises.
Another reason why many engineers purchase a good engineering handbook is because it allows them to find the information they need quickly. This helps them to use their time productively and they do not waste time searching the internet for a good summary of the information they need but which is not overwhelming. And it also allows them to avoid internet websites that are cluttered with annoying ads and other stuff that interferes with the proper absorption of the information they are looking for.
This handbook was written so it could be successfully used by engineers, managers, supervisors, and other individuals who desire to enhance the operations of their organization by improving quality, increasing productivity, and reducing total costs.
This handbook does contain technical terminology but all the concepts are explained in simple English and a college degree in engineering is not required to understand and apply the concepts in this handbook.
It should also be mentioned that this handbook does not contain any color pictures. The reason is because color pictures increase the cost of a printed book by about 400% when compared to a book without color pictures. Therefore, in order to make the printed copy of this handbook as affordable as possible, there are no color pictures in this handbook.
Finally, we would like to sincerely thank the Amazon reviewer “ehesbol” for letting us know that the Spanish translation of chapter 49 was inadvertently inserted into the English version of this handbook. This error has been corrected and the original English version of chapter 49 has been reinserted into the current English version of this handbook, and all the chapters in this handbook are now once again in English. However, if you would prefer the Spanish translation of this handbook then it is available as “Manual de Ingeniería Industrial, de Sistemas y de Calidad.”
