What is Engineering Work ?
Engineering work is unique in the sense that it is generally not considered a commodity; rather it is considered a value-added service. It is not something that can be automated as there are always different factors and emerging technologies. The engineer is in contact with the client at all steps. The user may also be brought in the process. This is an iterative process. Constant reevaluation of the process and the progress is required. This leads to modifications. Upon completion, the engineer may be involved in the operation, the sales, or may teach the use of the product.
II. Design Phase - The engineer analyzes the idea or problem. Designs solution under guiding factors listed below.
III. Test Phase - The engineer applies the design to a model to test. This would occur more frequently with products as opposed to construction.
IV. Manufacturing or Construction Phase - The engineer supervises the manufacturing processes (for electrical and mechanical engineers), construction (mainly for civil engineers), or improvements made to a plant, operating system. Modifications made during this process.
V. Product Completion or Production—Engineer or manufacturer may simply hand product over to the client (i.e. electrical device), may sell the product (i.e. scientific instrument), may actually operate the product (power plant), or may teach the operation to the user (i.e. office building).
Standards play a large role in engineering work as much of engineering results in the design of products. Standards serve to facilitate the reproduction and ensure compatibility between products. This could be in the form of standard software formats to guidelines for fitting screws or pipes.
IT is linked to the entire value chain but engineering
sits at the heart of it.
Some companies such as Toyota are built around engineering
% of respondents considering their function as core /
strategic (BAH survey):
Finance - 80%
S&M 70%
Mfg - 60%
IT - 30%