15 Operations Management and Process Improvement terms
This glossary was created to define important terms used in Industrial Engineering Technology. It helps students understand key concepts related on how systems, processes, and operations are designed, managed, and improved for efficiency, quality, and productivity.
automation
noun
The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.
Example: The company installed automation in its assembly line to speed up production and reduce human mistake.
fr: automatisation
bottleneck
noun
A situation that causes delay in a process or system.
Example: Workers should own adequate skill for what they are in charge, poor skills will affect the whole production process as a BOTTLENECK.
fr: goulot
calibrate
verb
Mark (a gauge or instrument) with a standard scale of readings.
Example: By setting the software to 'CALIBRATE' and determining, as accurately as possible, the corresponding channel for each photopeak we assign each channel a given energy to take measurements from in later sections.
fr: étalonner
conformity
noun
Compliance with standards, rules, or laws.
Example: But in this contradiction between productivity and safety, between speed and CONFORMITY to regulations, which does the corporation prioritize?
fr: conformité
defect
noun
A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.
Example: Little analysis was apparent in many of the early Programmes - a DEFECT that was never entirely overcome.
fr: défaut
ergonomics
noun
The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
Example: This extreme ERGONOMICS stance serves as an antidote to the equally extreme engineering approach in which systems are regarded basically as hardware which for reasons of economic or technological limitations have to depend occasionally on some human performance.
fr: ergonomie
layout
noun
The way in which the parts of something are arranged or laid out.
Example: The aggregation of these simple surfaces is beginning to have a negative effect upon the micro-ecology and infrastructural LAYOUT of the city and those systems with the potential to mitigate this effect are being supplanted by the singular nature of the surface.
fr: disposition
logistics
noun
The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.
Example: As a result of the diverse locations and project types that the Naval Construction Force experiences, the LOGISTICS of providing project material and construction equipment to multiple global locations is a major challenge.
fr: logistique
monitoring
noun
Observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period; keep under systematic review.
Example: It will require constant MONITORING of the technological situation and may in the longer term necessitate several changes of format to keep pace with changes in storage devices and technique.
fr: surveillance
optimization
noun
The action of making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource.
Example: Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing BMI-systems for neurological augmentation, however, many aspects of the system still require further investigation and OPTIMIZATION before being clinically available.
fr: optimisation
standardize
verb
Cause (something) to conform to a standard.
Example: Whatever the wider influences the producers themselves were just experimenting, trying to cut costs and to STANDARDIZE production.
fr: standardiser
supply chain
noun
The sequence of processes involved in the production and distribution of a commodity.
Example: The strong point of this technology is that it helps the company check exactly where every product in the SUPPLY CHAIN.
fr: chaîne d'approvisionnement
throughput
noun
The amount of material or items passing through a system or process.
Example: Selection of a source for commercial irradiation would involve consideration of numerous factors including required dose rate, load factor, THROUGHPUT, convenience, safety, and most important, costs.
fr: débit
warehouse
noun
A large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored before their export or distribution for sale.
Example: The price is more likely to relate to the individual picker and the regularity with which he sells to the WAREHOUSE.
fr: entrepôt
workflow
noun
The sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.
Example: Moreover, it will improve the consistency across the organisation in dealings with customers, facilitate collaborative working and effectual corporate governance, and aid business process re-engineering by easing research on WORKFLOW applications.
