CONCEPT OF ENGINEERING

The origin of the word Engineering dates back to the times of the Ancient Civilizations whose
large constructions (temples, dams or canals, etc.) have applied knowledge
that we now call engineering. The word engineer has its origin in the Latin term
"ingenium" (ingenio), which in Latin, as in Spanish, refers to machines or artifacts.
mechanical, as well as an innate and natural disposition of the spirit to invent,
["create","design"]
engineer = engineer. In the 17th century, the Englishman John Smeaton, in order to differentiate his
specialty of the military construction expert, adopted the title for the first time
of Civil Engineer. In 1828 Tomás Tredgold at the request of the Institution of Civil Engineers
from London defined Engineering as: "The art of directing the great resources of energy of
nature for the use and convenience of man." This definition undoubtedly reflects a large part
of what is currently known as engineering, but the activity would need to be redefined.
Louis de Broglie, a French scientist who wrote the following in 1958: "The engineer is a
Man who has specialized in the execution of certain applications of science,
should possess broad and precise scientific knowledge." We can observe that the
science has become part of the engineer's life, and even more we talk about the engineer as the
man of Technology. With science being a tool for the engineer, and technology the
factor that allows us to transform available resources to meet needs. Thus
The definition of Engineer that we adopt from Aquiles Gay is expressed: 'The engineer is a'
man who, starting from knowledge, ideas, resources, means, and human material,
build objects or technological products, carry out technical projects or develop processes
technological; their fundamental objective is, as a general approach, to improve the quality of life
of the human being. Understanding as Technical Project the expression of the optimal solution to
un problema, siendo el Proceso Tecnológico la creación, el camino a recorrer partiendo del
Project to reach the technological product; and defining the latter as an object
utilitarian, rational, responding to well-defined needs. Based on that
previously expressed about the tasks that the Engineer historically carried out, and their
current reality, we can take the expression that The Accreditation Council for the
Engineering and Technology spreads as Engineering. 'The profession in which knowledge
of mathematical and natural sciences acquired through study, experience, and
practice is applied with good judgment in order to develop the ways in which they can be used
economic way, the materials and the forces of nature for the benefit of the
humanity. Lecture: Fundamentals of Engineering 2 As a conclusion and to have
magnitude of the engineer's work in today's society we reproduce a paragraph from the book
from Eng. Marcelo A. Sobrevila, The profession of engineer. ".....Let's say that an engineer is
a professional who has acquired a working methodology that allows him to take a
problem, analyze it, understand its objectives and goals, be able to outline a work program,
take the necessary auxiliary elements, forecast the results, know what means
humans and materials needed, knowing what cost the solution will incur, to implement
all elements of the solution, supervise the path of the solution, put everything into norms
and tolerances, know how to carry out routine and acceptance tests, put into industrial operation the
product or the work or the installation and prepare all the necessary documentation for delivery
formal and payment." We can say that Engineering is the profession in which knowledge
of the mathematical and natural sciences acquired through study, experience, and the
practice, it is used with good judgment in order to develop ways in which they can be utilized, of
optimal way the materials and the forces of nature for the benefit of humanity, in
the context of ethical, physical, economic, environmental, human, political restrictions
legal and cultural Now defined the word Engineering and Engineer. Understanding the set
of tasks that involve the profession and the high degree of training, judgment, and experience
requested by this, we can analyze in a more general way the different functions that
the engineer develops in his work.

FUNCTIONS OF ENGINEERING

Research: search for new knowledge. E.g.: when in the development of the
The profession presents us with a problem with no precedent, which requires study and a
prior scientific level research, to then issue conclusions about the possible
steps to take to solve the problem.

Development is about bringing results or discoveries into an accessible form.

that can lead to useful products, methods, or processes. E.g.: guiding data collection
de un relevamiento en topografía, hidráulica, electricidad, etc.; de manera tal que se logren
representative data, at the study site, for better interpretation in the office, which
will lead us to more accurate conclusions.

Design: it is something fundamental, it is to specify or project the optimal solution to a problem

proposed. E.g.: when projecting the layout of a high voltage network, the optimal solution will be that which
integrate security, economy and benefits, with a moderate environmental impact.
Production: it is the process through which raw materials are transformed into
products. Chair: Fundamentals of Engineering 3 Ex.: when starting from stone, cement,
with sand and water we managed to form a good quality concrete, suitable for building columns,
beams and slabs in a structure.

The Construction: is the process of making the optimal solution obtained a reality. E.g.: to
execute a housing neighborhood project, or a hydroelectric dam.

The Operation: it is the execution of a practical job, applying the principles of the
engineering. It is directly related to the maintenance of the products we obtain,
Technological artifacts, electrical or hydroelectric works, buildings, etc. For example: when performing the
maintenance of sanitary or electrical installations in buildings, or the maintenance of the
turbine blades of a hydropower plant.

The Sales: they are the possible recommendations, advice on the sale of products and
in the necessary legal procedures for financial operations. E.g.: when training people
in a construction machinery sales team, when advising service companies
about the advantages of a cutting-edge technological device (transformer) in
electricity topic.

The Administration: when addressing organizational, economic issues,

technicians and politicians. E.g.: when we join work teams in public entities.

MAIN BRANCHES OF ENGINEERING

Engineering is a diversified profession, as we have seen before. It is composed

of several main branches or fields of specialization and minor branches. Engineers
they have created these branches in response to the constant expansion of knowledge
technological branches of today's world. Next, we will see some of the most
outstanding engineers. It is common for an engineer, in the course of their career,
I practice more than one specialty within one of the main branches. Civil Engineering:
it is one of the broadest branches of engineering, covering the field of structures,
construction and management of works, transport, geotechnics, hydraulics, environment and
topography.

Aeronautical Engineering: it deals with all aspects of the flight of heavier-than-air vehicles
that the air, regardless of speed and height.

Electromechanical Engineering: related to mechanics and the optimal use of energy and the
manufacturing and production methods. Electromechanical engineers fabricate machines
tools, machinery and equipment for all branches of industry.

Chemical Engineering: selects the appropriate processes and arranges them according to a
appropriate sequence; heat transfer, mass transfer, wetting and drying;
mixing, crushing, grinding and filtering; chemical reactions, chlorination, polymerization,
oxidation and reduction. Metallurgical Engineering: it deals with the production of metals from
of minerals and the development of metal alloys.

Industrial Engineering: it is responsible for the application of design, installation, and improvement of the
industrial systems; internal distribution in the plants,

Other branches: Systems Engineering, Naval Engineering, Textile Engineering, Engineering

Biomedical, Nuclear Engineering, Mining Engineering, etc.

CONCEPT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING:

Industrial engineering is the science dedicated to the study and
application of the different branches that are involved in development
implementation and evolution of integrated technology systems and
knowledge, information, equipmentenergy, materials and processes
that discusses the design of prototypes to optimize systems and equipment
where the main methods of analysis and engineering systems are used
and the design to specify, predict, and evaluate the results obtained from
the systems.

Industrial engineering is the one that is responsible for applying the ability and
arrangement in the scientific method to form ideas and thus be able to
solving human problems, that is to say, industrial engineering is a
discipline that analyzes the elements that connect or relate to production of
goods and services, dedicated to design, planning, control and
optimization of theprocessindustrial, without neglecting the technical aspects,
economic and social.

The goal of industrial engineers is to understand and develop

industrial production systems that achieve the desired results
predictable, for specialists in the science of engineering that
they carry out a prediction activity about the consequences of the activity
of an industry.

The activities of industrial engineering can be carried out by

specialists contracted and not by the owners of the company, which forms the
managerial activities that can be organized by people with
adequate studies and the owner of the company can impose limits on their role
to the investor so that they can predict and assess their results

What is industrial engineering?

Industrial engineering integrates human and material resources,

financial
of information and energy to increase the productivity of goods or
services
and consequently raise the quality of life of man.

What is the function of an Industrial Engineer?

Its primary function is to be an integrator of resources to obtain benefits.

of
competitiveness, productivity, quality and profitability to society and thus
improve the quality of life of this

What is productivity?

It's achieving more and better results with the same or fewer resources.
Productivity is a tool to improve a shared good
Industrial engineering seeks to increase competitiveness (productivity-
quality-profitability) to improve the quality of life level.

What is the field of work for an industrial engineer?

It encompasses various areas such as:

Productivity, quality.
Design of Productive Systems
Planning and control of production.
Industrial processes
Materials management.

Human Engineering and Business Development.

Business Management
Labor relations
Human behavior
Marketing.

Economic and financial engineering.

Accounting.
Costs
Project evaluation.
Systems Engineering and Technological Innovation
Statistics
Operations research
Automation, robotics.
Product Engineering.
What does an Industrial Engineer do?

Directs, controls, and evaluates production or operational systems.

Design, coordinate, improve systems focused on development and distribution
of products and/or services.
He is responsible for decision-making and project management.
industrial, programming, and strategic planning.
Evaluate economic alternatives, determine costs, selling prices,
investment studies and prepares budgets.

What has been the development of Industrial Engineering?

Conventional Industrial Engineering: time and motion, methods of

work.
Industrial engineering that uses decision models, research of
operations, of control.
Industrial Engineering, supported by information systems.
Industrial Engineering, based on Cybernetics and General Theory of
Systems.
Industrial Engineering, related to human behavior in
search for competitive excellence.

What is the profile for an industrial engineer?

Vocational Training.

Deep professional knowledge, having clarity and rigor

scientists that equip him in his career practice and that he
allow planning, designing, directing systems, products or services
industrial, its technical, economic, and social valuation.

Teamwork.

Transmission of information.

Quality in service and customer care.

 Staff development.

Personal Training.

Self-confidence.
Leadership.
He will be aware of his dignity as a person and will be respectful.
of the others.
Understand the legal framework that involves your actions.
Evaluate your activity within the professional code of ethics and show
a critical-constructive attitude towards the related institutions
with his profession.

Social formation.
He/She will be aware of national issues, to participate in
its solution and provide better service to society.
Will maintain an analytical attitude towards the social and technical role that
plays the faculty of engineering contributing to its
improvement, that of the Faculty of Engineering, that of UNAM and its
instead of Mexico.

What qualities should an engineer have?

Learn to Live Together.

Learn to Know. (Knowledge)
Learn to Do. (Skill Development)
Learn to Be. (Development of AMP Attitude)
Learn to Learn. (For your whole life)
Learn to search, inquire, investigate
- Learn to undertake

History of engineering: origin

and evolution
The history of engineering dates back to very remote times, from the
invention of tools such as the lever or the wheel, which facilitated the
carrying out other jobs based on basic principles of mechanics.
The word engineer has its roots in Latin. Ingenium translates to
literally like the innate qualities of a person, but militarily
was used to refer to the war machines that were built by
humans.

Those who could operate such creations were known

as an engineer. The term must have been transferred from there to
French engineer then to English engineer (machinist).

The first manifestations of engineering occurred in theAge

Antiguawith the great constructions like the pyramids, both Egyptian,
like pre-Columbian. Likewise, there are the great works of the Greeks and
the Romans, who brought engineering to other aspects of life
like the military.

In theMedieval Period, lthe advancements in civil engineering opened the way

the Gothic architecture in Europe, while in Asia they were carried out
important advances in the areas of metallurgy and hydrography.

During theModern Age, the steam engine inaugurated theRevolution

Industrial. Fand so when engineering began to be a science
It must be taken into account that current engineering is about a
set of knowledge and techniques applied to problem solving
problems.

From then on, the areas of specialization began to separate.

such as military engineering, mechanical, civil and new ones were added
names to that list.

Electrical engineering emerged with Turnin the 19th century. Later, from her it
Electronics was detached. Also in the 19th century, engineering emerged.
chemistry, which went hand in hand with mechanics trying to supplement the

needs of the last one.

Later, aviation was added, which was necessary during
theFirstyWorld War II. Uof the most recent ones is
popularized in the 1980s and is computer engineering.

Ancient Age
The first engineer on record was named Imhotep,
and was a builder of the stepped pyramid located in
Saqqara, Egypt. It was built for Pharaoh Zoser of the
Third Dynasty.

It is believed that Imhotep was the first to use columns for the
architecture. Their works date back to approximately 2550 BC.

There is a theory that the great projects of antiquity could have

taking up the baton of the work of this Egyptian using empirical methods,
while they made use of other sciences such as geometry,physicsand the
arithmetic.

There are not a few examples of ancient architecture that

they can name. Among the most notable works are: theLighthouse of
Alexandriathe TemSolomon's Temple, the Roman Colosseum and, of course, the
aqueducts.

Also the Acropolis and the Greek Parthenon, the Mesopotamian ziggurats and the
structures of the Native Americans such as the Mayans, Incas, or Aztecs.

In addition, one of the largest works is located in Asia.

humanity, like the Great Wall of China.

Regarding Roman architecture, their settled

principles in the Book of Architecture written by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio,
where he narrates his experience and what he knew about the theory of the
Greek architectural works, which were the foundation of this discipline for
the Romans.

Machines

However, the Greeks were among the first to use the

machines for different purposes. First, there was military use when creating
weapons. It also keeps a record of the first mechanical computer.
known as the Antikythera Mechanism, dating from the 2nd or 3rd century BC.

Middle Ages

Early Middle Ages

Despite the fact that for many it is considered that engineering did not have

great advances in theEarly Middle Ages, it can be said the opposite, since
at that time thanks to the development of Christianity throughout civilization
In the West, the work done by slaves was not well regarded.

So, the Catholic religion was what led to the development of techniques
that allowed for large tasks to be carried out with fewer personnel. Without
embargo, there was a period in which the quality and quantity of
buildings deteriorated.

At this time in Europe, the style that dominated architecture was the pre-
Romanesco. Through that current, the builders copied the design.
of the structures created by the Romans.

Late Middle Ages

In theLate Middle Agesthe great Gothic cathedrals were built.

Moreover, due to the constant clashes between Islamists and
Catholics, it became necessary to build castles and fortresses.
Regarding the Asians, they made significant progress during that time,
among them, their specialization in metallurgy. In addition, they were
responsible for the creation of parchment and gunpowder, which changed
the course of history when brought to Europe.

In Turkey, various advancements were made in engineering.

mechanics, since more than 50 mechanical devices were developed for
different purposes, including pumping water to supply the city of
Damascus, especially in the mosques and hospitals.

In addition to that, mechanical controls, clocks, and some were devised.

very basic automata.

In the 13th century, the engineer Villard de Honnecourt created the Book of
Outlines. This expresses his knowledge, applied to construction,
in areas such as mathematics, geometry, natural sciences, physics and
drawing talents.

Despite that, during that time knowledge was transferred from teacher
the apprentice and was not standardized.

Renaissance
In 1445, Johannes Gutenberg made a machine that changed the
history of humanity: the printing press. Until then, books were
hand-copied in an almost artisanal way and few had access to them.

But the arrival of Gutenberg's printing press revolutionized the way of

transmit the knowledge, by allowing it thanks to a mechanical process
the texts could be reproduced quickly and in large volumes by
a much lower cost.
This process involved applying ink onto metal pieces and transferring it to the
paper for pressure.

Thanks to the printing press, which allowed for the wider dissemination of information.

number of people, engineering could begin to be part of a task

separated.

That means that knowledge was no longer transmitted from teacher to student.
apprentice or from father to son, but there could be people dedicated to the
study of certain aspects of science. That was what allowed the
separation between engineering and architecture or mechanics and science
military.

During theRenaissancethe construction of large domes became popular,

especially in religious buildings. This structure existed since the
antiquity, but its design evolved and, during the Renaissance,
A solution arose to the problem of the complicated creation of scaffolding.

The method that was found during the Renaissance was to build two
domes that were supported one by the other, one on the outside and the
another internal one, with a strong structural bond between both. The greatest
the exponent of this structure was the Basilica of St. Peter.

Industrial Revolution
A couple of centuries later, the invention arrived that generated a revolution in
all aspects of human life as it was known until then: the
steam engine.

From there, a theory that broke paradigms started to be exploited,

which indicated that heat could be used as energy.
The economy of many countries took off thanks to the implementation of this
device that transformed the thermal energy of water into mechanical energy
thanks to an engine.

This is how the Industrial Revolution began, as it was thanks to this

machine and its successors, mass production was allowed of
products and other devices that could harness that energy.

Among the inventions that broke established paradigms was that of

the automated manufacturing of textiles, which radically changed the
market behavior and the labor system that existed until
so.

In addition, from that same period emerged another of the major developments
mechanics of humanity: the locomotive. This is how it was possible to dispense with the

animal and human work, almost artisanal, to give way to production in

mass and a new type of society.

Modernity
After the Industrial Revolution, other processes also influenced
the history of engineering. For example, the experimentation that is
intensified starting in 1816 with the communication system known as
the telegraph, which eventually achieved its most stable prototypes
after the contributions of Samuel Morse in 1838.

This is how the doors were opened to electromagnetic studies that had
place during the 19th century. This was one of the most necessary impulses.
to separate the study of electrical engineering from future engineering in
telecommunications, which would come later, given the multiple advances in the
area.
Also, as a need to supply what was demanded by the growing
manufacturing and mechanical industry, everything related to chemistry
entered a much more careful exploration process.

So, the aim was to obtain other sources of energy for the
operation of engines, and to supply the materials industry
products.

Contemporary
During World War I and World War II, the use of more advanced weaponry
sophisticated was the only way to gain an advantage over the opponent and demonstrate
at the same time the power, not only military but also technical and scientific of the
winning nations.

This boosted several fields of engineering, including that of the

aeronautics, with the creation of military aircraft, and also in
naval, thanks to the most advanced ships or submarines.

This is how the doors to the electromagnetic studies that had opened.
place during the 19th century. This was one of the most necessary impulses.
to separate the study of electrical engineering from future engineering in
telecommunications, which would come later, given the multiple advances in the
area.

Also, as a necessity to supply what was demanded by the growing

manufacturing and mechanical industry, everything related to chemistry
entered a much more careful exploration process.

So, it was intended to obtain other sources of energy for the

operation of the engines, and to supply the materials industry and
products.
Contemporary
During World War I and World War II, the use of more weaponry
sophisticated was the only way to get ahead of the opponent and demonstrate.
at the same time the power, not only military, but also technical and scientific of the
victorious nations.

This gave a boost to several fields of engineering, among them the field of
aeronautics, with the creation of military aircraft, and also in the
naval, thanks to the most advanced ships or submarines.

Those are elements that progressively evolve allowing for a

democratization of access to information is growing every day. That process
began to increase with the massification of computers to
mid-1980s, when it became popular in households.

Genetics

Finally, one of the types of engineering that has raised some

problems in the field of professional ethics is that of genetics.

It is considered that experimentation with living beings, even if it is about

only of animals, it could go against nature, in addition to being a
unknown the consequence of those processes.

But in 2019 the first modified twins have already been born.
genetically in China, something that has no precedent.

Types of engineering throughout history

Since its birth until now, engineering has diversified.
in many branches to specialize the study of certain areas and allow
a deeper and more delicate development of each of the fields of
work.

Aerospace Engineering

Airport Engineering

Agricultural Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Bioengineering

Biomedical engineering

Civil engineering

Building Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Electromechanical Engineering

Electronic engineering

Energy Engineering

Railway Engineering

Forest engineering

Genetic engineering
Geoengineering

Hydraulic engineering

Industrial Engineering

Automotive Engineering

Audio Engineering

Control Engineering

Computer Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Military engineering

Mining engineering

Naval engineering

Petroleum Engineering

Polymer Engineering

Fire protection engineering

Chemical engineering

Sanitary engineering

Systems Engineering
Software Engineering

Sound engineering

Telecommunication Engineering

Energy Engineering

Cost Engineering

Computer Engineering

Molecular engineering

Urban engineering

References
[Link], R. (2019).Engineering | science. [online] Encyclopedia
Britannica. Available at: [Link] [Accessed 3 Feb. 2019].
[Link]. (2019). History of engineering. [online] Available
at: [Link] [Accessed 3 Feb. 2019].
3. Yepez, V. (2017). Notes on engineering in the Renaissance–
The blog of Víctor Yepes. [online] Polytechnic University of
Valencia. Available at: [Link] [Accessed 3 Feb.]
2019.
[Link]-12 Foundation (2012).A Brief History of Engineering. [online].
Available at: [Link] [Accessed 3 Feb. 2019].
5. Toro and Gisbert, M. and Garcia-Pelayo and Gross, R. (1970). Small
Larousse Illustrated. Paris: Ed. Larousse, p.578.
HISTORY OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
December 6, 2015

It is logical to think that the history of industrial engineering has a lot

relationship with the advancement of new technologies, let us remember that one of the
detonators of the industrial revolution peaked with the discovery
of inventions like the railroad and of course it is impossible to talk about
history without mentioning one of his parents, henry ford.
These inventions, by allowing us to transport much larger quantities,
they triggered an urgency to produce in larger quantities (to make more
to sell more), that is to say, mass production began, this
Opportunity brought with it a lot of problems, I won't elaborate.
A lot, but imagine the management change you have to make to transition.
to produce 100 units at 100,000.
BRIEF HISTORY OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Also known as production engineering, it peaked in the late
of the 19th century and throughout the 20th century, began with the study in the
production processes and the search to increase productivity in
the same. Without 'industrialization' the expansion would not have been possible
and the creation of many companies that continue to exist even after 100 years
operations.
Since its inception, industrial engineers have had a very clear understanding of which
are their objectives, since the birth of industrial engineering was due to
mainly in the search for ways to allow optimization in
the production processes, focusing on reduction of
times and movements of the same.
Among the main contributors are the pioneers Frederick
W. Taylor and Henry Gantt, with the former being considered the father of
the administration, since it was their methods that allowed
Companies like Laford Motor Company are the giants they are today.
THE TRUE ORIGIN OF ENGINEERING
INDUSTRIAL
Even though many of us think that its origin is based on the Revolution
Industrial, the true beginning of this branch of engineering was at
beginnings of the agricultural revolution, the moment when the
techniques of fertilizing the land and the reorganization of the exploitation,
due to the need to improve productivity in activities
economic.
Nevertheless, production continued to be limited because it was
manually executed, which led to the industrial revolution, period
understood between the second half of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th.
Beginnings of the Industrial Revolution
During the first industrial revolution, the use of
machine, which was capable of performing the same work as a person
but in a short time. This invention completely changed the history of
man and his economy, due to the great productivity that occurred after
that invention, and caused the birth of what we know today
comoindustrial engineering.
Fathers of Industrial Engineering
Regarding the pioneers of industrial engineering, we can consider one of
the most important, Richard Arkwright, who invented between 1732 and 1792 the
mechanical version of the spinning wheel and was the first to establish the
administrative control system, with the aim of regulating production
and the work of factory employees.

However, in the history of industrial engineering, the most significant change...

Significant in terms of industrial material was the creation of the machine.
of steam, which began in 1774 with the help of James Watt and his partner
Matthew Boulton, figures who also contributed to normalizing the
factory management.
Another major advance was in 1760, when Jean Perronet, a French architect,
conducted a study on the times for the manufacture of elements for
the construction, this being a significant contribution to the conceptual development
of what later became known asindustrial engineering. Likewise,
In 1793, Eli Whitney developed and implemented what is known as the line
of assembly.
FREDERICK W. TAYLOR
In the year 1895, Frederick W. Taylor establishes himself as one of the
pioneers of this field, thanks to the contributions related to the study of
the movements, temporal times, and standardization of tools,
together with the spouses Frank and Lilian Gilbreth, who focused on the
study of movements.

HENRY FORD
In the early 20th century, Henry Ford, in 1913, implemented the
production line system for automobile manufacturing, with which
which began to manufacture low-cost cars and in less time, thanks
thus the brand became accessible to middle-class people.

This in turn caused other people to become interested in the methods of

production and it was then that the Society of Engineers was formed
Industrials in 1917, a time when entrepreneurs began to
take a greater interest in productivity optimization and began to
invest for your development.

It was not until 1908 that the first industrial engineering course was taught in the
Pennsylvania State University in the United States.

History of Industrial Engineering and its

Repercussions in Development
Panama in the Last One Hundred Years
RESUMEN

The activities of Industrial Engineering are carried out when humans organize themselves.
to optimize resources in order to meet a need. Thus, the evolution of
this discipline is linked to the development of humanity. However, the connotation of
industry greatly limited the recognition of its contribution, as a discipline, to
all types of productive activities. Being one of the most changing engineering fields due to
his relationship with people, maintains his goal of optimizing the inputs that
they intervene in a process by introducing technology to make it productive and
competitive in a sustained and sustainable manner.

Panama does not escape this reality, and its development has been possible thanks to support from
brave and determined entrepreneurs who, in the face of the limitations of a budding nation
they were visionaries and found development opportunities, they invested in creation
from various industries and succeeded in having their descendants, many trained in this field
from Engineering and related fields, strengthened these companies and created others that have
has been the bastion upon which the development of this nation has been erected.

The adoption and adaptation of Industrial Engineering techniques applied in the

service industry, demonstrates the versatility and effectiveness of this discipline and its impact
in the development of Panama in the last hundred years.

Palabras Claves: Ingeniería Industrial, Economía, Optimización, Industria,

Industrialization.

INTRODUCTION

The main purpose of this article is to capture the importance of Engineering.

Industrial in the development of society and its responsibility in management of
human talent to raise productivity and competitiveness, requirement
indispensable for improving the quality of life for locals and outsiders. Furthermore, it
aims to awaken the patriotic sense and the responsibility of Panamanians for
invest in the country and contribute to the development of this nation.

The article is aimed at Industrial Engineering students, at professionals who

they participate in productive activities and all those interested in evolution
of the economic development of Panama, mainly in the last hundred years.

The origins of Industrial Engineering and its contributions are presented chronologically.
the most important initiators in the formation of this discipline. Emphasis is placed on
in its role in the development of humanity and subsequently, in the
development of Panama. In this sense, industries that were created in the
beginnings of the republic and how many businessmen of that era became
examples for those who survived them.

The Republican Era is divided into four periods of twenty-five years, in each of
which highlight some companies that, in their respective economic sector,
they laid the foundations for the sustained and sustainable development of this country.
THE BEGINNINGS

The history of Industrial Engineering, like that of all engineering disciplines, is intertwined with
the history of science dates back to the origin of humankind.

If engineering is conceived as the methodical application of "knowledge -

"ingenious", then the origin of Industrial Engineering can be traced back to the canals
of irrigation and buildings of ancient civilizations; activities that required the use
suitable, coordinated, and optimal use of various resources (material, human
knowledge and others) to achieve an end.

Although Industrial Engineering did not receive this name until well into the
civilization, the basic activities that sustain it have been carried out since always.

The construction of the Pyramids, in Egypt and in America, is one of the many
examples of the application of a conglomerate of knowledge in geometry, physics and
utilization of human resources, raw materials, equipment, and tools in a manner
optimal to achieve a goal in a given time.

The development of geometry by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Hindus,

long before the year 300 BC, they created great civilizations. The
knowledge of Thales of Miletus, the first Greek "geometer" and his legacy to the
Romans allowed them to design and build aqueducts and works that still today,
they marvel humanity.

Some pioneers of Industrial Engineering: Archimedes, Euclid, Pythagoras, Plato,

Descartes, Blas, Pascal, among others, applied knowledge in order to defend the
interests of the rulers and military and improve the quality of life of their people, with
irrigation systems, secure constructions, and aqueducts, to ensure the exchange and
the marketing and goods and services, food and the invention and design of
equipment and tools that facilitated the development of multiple activities.

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

From the beginning, the basic questions about what, how, where, and how much to produce
they have been evident and present in the organized productive activity of human beings.
However, it was as a result of the Industrial Revolution and from the
Renaissance, as those decisions began to reveal a complexity and a
repercussions such that they required specific techniques and methods. Thus, Engineering begins.
Modern and Scientific.

Civil Engineering is the oldest branch of engineering and some researchers

they agree that it began scientifically and modernly around the year 1750.
the other engineering disciplines gradually followed, developing knowledge in the
physical, chemical, biological, and production aspects.

In 1699, Thomas Savery publicly presented in London the design of a machine

steam. He was the first to patent it and this fact marks the birth of the one that
it would be the second branch of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, which was known
as such, many years later.

The Industrial Revolution was made possible by the steam engine and energy
unlimited that set in motion. With the socialization of work starting from
development of manufacturing processes, new devices and new sources of energy, emerged the
need to lead large groups of people and organize factories so that
they will take advantage of the innovations. Perhaps the first of the pioneers in this field was Sir
Richard Arkwright (1732 - 1792), inventor of the ring spinning frame, created and
it implemented what could be the first administrative control system to regulate
production and work. At the same time, James Watt invented a machine powered by
by steam and not by atmospheric pressure, with the capacity to drive machinery without
use a hydraulic wheel. Subsequently, this British man, along with Matthew Boulton,
he organized a factory in Soho to produce steam engines, thus contributing to
normalize the management of the factories.

Later, James Watt Jr. and Matthew Robinson Boulton, following in the footsteps of
his parents established the first manufacturing machine factory and instituted
a cost control system to reduce waste and improve
productivity. Little by little, functions that would come to shape were integrated.
the multitude of knowledge and applications of Industrial Engineering.

The beginnings of Industrial Engineering also have roots in the works of a

French, Perronet, who in 1760 conducted studies on the times regarding production of
pins until standardizing it.

The Father of Modern Economics, a Scotsman, Adam Smith (1723 - 1790), is known
for his work 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations'
(1776) and for their contributions to the field of economics; but concepts like these are theirs.
division of labor, from which specialization, assembly line work and the
cataloging work as a commercial value.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, science dealt with instruments: telescopes, microscopes,
thermometers and barometers to investigate the what and the why; but, starting from the
Industrial Revolution, dealt with machines like steam engines, turbines, engines
electrical and chemical processes no longer to investigate nature but to change it.
Technology gains value with the interest in the 'why' of knowledge.
generated by science and research.
In 1779, 8000 workers from Lancaster county destroyed factories and smashed to pieces.
machines valued at 10,000 pounds sterling, a fortune for the time. The cause of the
the riots were due to the use of machines that they believed had deteriorated their standard of living
and whose spread threatened to deprive them of their means of livelihood. The truth is
manual labor was replaced by mechanized work and technology
it started to affect the demand for jobs.

This is how the first steps for large-scale production are taken. Emphasis was placed on the
optimization of manufacturing time, neglecting the quality of life at work.
In the 18th century, factories emerged in small premises, similar to prisons.
with an unbreathable atmosphere and terrible filth. The worker received a salary
minimum for a shift of 16 to 18 hours. The machine caused them to lose their value.
individual strength, the high qualification and skill of the worker. The positions of
excellent workers and artisans, they were occupied by women and children. The exploitation of children
In the early days of factories is a shameful chapter in the history of the
capitalist society and the development of Industrial Engineering. The workers
they reacted, organized themselves to demand decent working conditions thus appearing
the labor movement.

Despite the conflicts of the working class, it can be affirmed that the quality of life of
improved. The medieval thinking that sought beauty in the repression of desire and
censured greed, was replaced by a worldview that allowed for acquiring and
consume without limits.

The pioneers of Industrial Engineering seemed not to realize that

they were incursioning into a different field from the one in which they had started their work. Without
embargo, yes they were aware that the principles of organization are applicable in
every field where the coordination of human efforts is essential to achieve
a common end. Thus, Charles Babbage (1792-1871), a mathematical scientist, proposes theories
about Industrial Organization and especially, about the benefits of division and
specialization of work and the use of tools, which he published in 1832. His
analytical methods to improve operations were the most advanced for decades in
the field of productivity enhancement.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AS A DISCIPLINE.

At the end of the 19th century, the application of the scientific method based on
systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation to confirm or disprove
hypotheses about the characteristics of the analyzed processes. These activities were
initially performed by mechanical engineers.

At this time, the Frenchman Maurice Leblanc and the American Eli Whitney developed
a manufacturing machine that allowed for high production with direct costs
reduced unit costs that allowed for the amortization of the machinery costs. Thus, the
mass production of complex products made by parts that are then
they brought with them the development of standardization and the manufacturing of products
with interchangeable parts, reducing costs. In this sense, Henry Ford revolutionized
the activity of assembly when introducing the concept of line or chain: The workers
remained fixed and the product was moved with a material handling system
appropriate.

In the twilight of the 19th century, Frederick Taylor (1856-1915) began his work in the
time study and develops a system based on the concept of 'task'. It establishes
time standards for each task and proposes and defends a scientific approach
the problem of production management. He is considered the Father of the
Scientific Management and Industrial Engineering. In June 1903, he presented at the
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) meeting, its famous
article 'Shop Management' (Workshop Administration), in which it presented the
principles that governed Industrial Engineering for almost the entire 20th century. It raises the
Engineering as "responsible for designing, measuring, planning, and scheduling work." In
this work cites some concepts such as the following: Study of methods, study
of times, planning department, standardization of tools, the principle
administration exceptions, instruction cards for workers,
mnemonic classification systems for parts and products, calculation rules for
metal cutting, methods for calculating costs, selection of employees in relation to
with the routing addressing system and a high performance bonus.
Taylor taught work and expected employees to work to their full potential.
capacity for higher salaries.

The abuse in raising production standards mainly when the

workers earned "a lot of money" for surpassing them, contributed to the animosity of
the working class towards the Industrial Engineer and the businessman. The expression 'engineer in
"efficiency" meant abuser of the working class.

Many collaborators of Taylor contributed to the development of Industrial Engineering in

the sense of achieving more with fewer resources: Carl G. Barth with his rule of
calculations for production, Harrington Emerson who, with the application of methods
scientists in the services sector, the Santa Fe railway, achieved an annual saving of more
of one and a half million dollars and Henry Le Chatelier (1850 - 1936) who led to
Europe the scientific administration.

Around the same time and from a little earlier, a Frenchman Henry Fayol (1841-1925)
studied the organization from the perspective of its structural interrelationships. It
he is considered the Father of Modern Operational Management Theory. He proposed
six groups of basic functions in the operation of a company: Technical
(production), commercial (buying, selling, and exchanging), financial, security,
accounting and administrative (planning, organization, command, coordination and
control) and assigned a specific capacity to each function that the individual must
to have it in order to exercise it well. Fayol points out necessary qualities for those functions:
Intellectual skills, physical and moral qualities, general culture, knowledge
special and experience. Indicates "principles of management" and "managerial duties"
emphasizing the process. Although it differs from Taylor in the approach to solve
administrative matters in the industries, both had a marked influence on the
development of Industrial Engineering through the practical application of its principles. Fayol
it demonstrated what Taylor also maintained, but that many of his imitators did not
they managed to understand and it was that the best management of the no is not merely a matter of
improve the product of work and the planning of subordinate units of
organization; it is, above all, a matter of intense study and more education
administrative for those at the top of the organization.

One of the most important roles in the evolution of Industrial Engineering and in the
the incorporation of Psychology into Engineering is attributed to Mary Follett (1865? - 1933).
Philosopher and political scientist, she had an interest in the psychological foundation of all
human activity and the emotional reactions in people's work.

Impressed by the negative consequences of industrialization in her city:

Boston set out to explain the defects of that development and seek a remedy for
those harmful events. The first led her to conduct important investigations
social studies, the second, to develop studies on organization and administration
industrial.

He finally presented his work 'Industrial Organisation' in 1924. There he explained and clarified
the psychological factors that underpin every business, as perceived when giving
orders in the exercise of authority, and in the emergence of conflicts between people and
between groups in the company. Their psychological and philosophical approaches to governance
political and on the industry, they were ahead of their time and this made it impossible
perceiving the practical nature of his thought and doctrine. His concepts about authority and
functional conflict, labor-management relations, importance of differences
individuals in the contribution to the progress of a group and similar ones are still valid and
They are gaining more relevance every day.

Mary Follett argued that human beings are wise by nature, but that the relationship
subordinate personnel damages emotions and if it constitutes the foundation of the
organization, can cause unwanted reactions and frictions that deteriorate the
company performance. It argues that by depersonalizing orders, the meaning
personal power over others and subordination disappears and a develops a
spirit of cooperation. What he meant to convey was not that the main command
less responsible, but their responsibility would be of a different kind: Less
of the autocrat and more coordinator and organizer of the expertise of others, expertise that gives them
to these authorities in the subjects in which they are experts.

Another contributor to the systemic approach of Industrial Engineering was B. Seebohm

Rowntree (1871 - 1954). His philosophy can be summarized as follows: "Do business as
competent as possible through scientific management, so that
you can offer your workers an ever-increasing standard of living." He showed a
superlative interest in the well-being of workers. He was one of the promoters of
establishment of a pension fund for workers.

Perhaps Rowntree's most important work in this field is "The Human Factor in"
Business: Experiments in Industrial Democracy" (1921). He was one of the first
industrial leaders in their country in appreciating the difference between marketing and sales, and in
organize the company according to it. In practice, it demonstrated that the models
more precise modern business management can be reconciled and
used to reinforce their defense that "a true spirit of camaraderie and
cooperation between employers and employees must permeate the entire business.
A difficult concept for many to accept even today.

Henry Laurence Gantt (1861 - 1919) was also interested in the human being. His
Notable contributions to the progress of industrial management: Graphs (Graph of
Gantt, bonus plans, production control methods, wage base, etc.
they were just instruments and methods that he devised to express his main philosophy: "The
The human element is the most important in all management problems.
His contributions as an "efficient expert" in a textile plant will be remembered by
the perspective of worker training, which was published in 1908. His idea of the
training as a responsibility of management was not accepted until
A decade later. He was always an enemy of autocratic control in the industry.

Another of Taylor's followers and a great friend of Gantt was Frank Bunker Gilbreth.
(1868 - 1924). "Artificer of inquiry," as his wife Lillian Moller called him.
Gilbreth, another pioneer of Industrial Engineering, Frank Gilbreth dedicated himself to the
search for the 'best way to do the job'. Conducted countless and impactful
contributions. Their innovations managed to increase from 120 bricks laid per hour by
worker at 350. With the standard method, he reduced the movements from 18 to 5. These
couples divided all activity into basic elements called therbligs (their
last name backwards). Its applications extend to construction, education, medicine
and military matters.

Mrs. Gilbreth, an educated teacher and student of Pedagogy and Psychology, practiced a
deep influence on her husband. As a prominent builder, his
literature on the application of scientific management and the study of
movements in the construction field. Studied the causes of fatigue in the
work and the means to eliminate it and analyzed and measured all the movements involved
in a working piece to eliminate unnecessary efforts. It included the analysis of
tools, equipment and work environment and had notable practical results in the
rehabilitation of the disabled, mainly with the study of soldiers.

Gilbreth's desire to make movement simple and economical thinking about the
"human interests" has been misinterpreted as being responsible for chaining the
worker to a repetitive and monotonous work routine.

With all the human implications of the study of work, what gradually emerges is
then, by 1949, it would also be a discipline related to Industrial Engineering:
Human Engineering or Ergonomics. This discipline arises as a consequence of "errors
"humans" in military operations.

Today the term Ergonomics (laws of work) has been generalized and includes everything
psychological and physiological aspects of the human being, its capabilities and limitations, the
which should be considered when designing jobs and work environments (including
machines, tools, environment, physical and mental workload, among others) that
will be used by the individual or to which they will be exposed, in order to
perform with security, comfort, and efficiency.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AS A UNIVERSITY DEGREE.

Taylor started a high school to train individuals in scientific management.

with the assistance of professors from Economics, Engineering, Psychology, and other disciplines
related. However, the first course of Industrial Engineering is given by Hugo Diemer in the
University of Kansas, in 1902. The first complete program originates from Penn.
State, 1908.

Edward Tregaskiss Elbourne (1875 - 1935), English, contributed to the formation of

industrial engineers and administrators with the publication of books like 'Factory'
Administration and Accounts" in 1914 and many others who were accepted as
"textbooks". Their interest in education for management makes them
responsible for holding the first meeting of the Institute of Industrial Administration at
1920 in Great Britain, a professional body to promote progress of
knowledge related to the principles of industrial management and their application.
These contributions were made after traveling to the United States in 1900 to examine
tools and machines and study the organization of factories. Returns to Gran
Breton and makes significant contributions as an executive and consultant.
On the other hand, in recent years the scientific aspect of has been included.
interpersonal relationships and self-awareness as a fundamental element in
the success of any human activity and, therefore, of the practice of Engineering
Industrial. These topics have been included in the curricula.

Since 1935, Thorndike was already referring to the importance of interpersonal relationships and
of personality in the success of organizations. Many other pioneers such as
Syles, Shakyris, McGregor, Maslow, Alderfer, McClelland, Murray, Herzberg, etc.
made significant contributions to the application of Psychology and Sociology to
organizational behavior, in an effort to explain the conduct of being
human to keep it suitable and willing to contribute the maximum of its capabilities
at the service of the company in a sustained manner. These concepts were being included
little by little in the academic curriculum of industrial engineers.

Recently, emphasis has been placed on the systemic approach and planning.
strategic. Elements that have been introduced in the curricula of the
Industrial Engineering. In these fields, the contributions of Mintzberg and Porter are notable.
Drucker, Coleman, and others.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY.

In Panama, just like in the rest of the American Continent, the activities of the
Indigenous people, both in agriculture and fishing and housing construction, required
of planning, organization, control, and consideration of elements of the environment. The
great indigenous civilizations: Incas, Mayans, Aztecs, for example, left evidence
for its great capacity to obtain and optimize resources to carry out large works and
maintain a quality of life in accordance with their cultures.

After the great Spanish fortresses built to protect the territories and
conquered wealth, the first major work in Panama is developed, since the beginning of
The Industrial Revolution: The Panama Railroad (1850 - 1855).

The need to exploit California's gold mines stimulates the search for a
the least dangerous and fastest route from the East Coast of the United States. The
obtaining enough personnel for this work, as well as the materials, the
route sanitation, civil works, the requirements for tools and equipment,
the supply of food, clothing, and housing to meet basic needs of
those involved are an example of Industrial Engineering in action.

La creación de la United Fruit Company promueve la afluencia de profesionales

foreigners who contribute to the development of the nascent industry and trade in the
Isthmus.
Posteriormente se inician los trabajos del Canal Francés, con los sueños de un gran
constructor and the mistakes caused by underestimating the conditions under
the great work would be carried out and the corresponding financial requirements.
The proper formulation and evaluation of projects, whatever they may be, is
today a field of Industrial Engineering, although not exclusive to this discipline.

The geographical position of Panama has always had a strong impact on its course.
of the country's economic activities. This peculiarity has caused that the
service activities have developed mostly. For this reason, the
Industrial engineering concepts were applied in this sector without characterizing them.
like this until the last years of the 20th century.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY IN PANAMA.

1900 - 1925: FIRST QUARTER OF THE 20TH CENTURY, CONSOLIDATION OF THE REPUBLIC.

With the resumption of the Canal works, redesigned by the railway engineer John
Stevens, who had designed the structure of the railway, initiates a whole effort to
environmental sanitation and public health to control epidemics that could rise
the costs and delay the great work. Thus, in 1907, 24,000 workers from different parts of the
planet resumes the largest civil engineering project in the United States. Without the
components of industrial engineering, this work would have failed just like the
cited French project.

With the birth of the republic, an incipient but notable industry is identified in
Panama, both in the industrial sector itself and in the sectors
agricultural and services. Thus, protection laws for the industry are enacted.
coffee (1904), the sugar bowl (1906), textile and oil mill (1912) and dairy (1913). It also
promotes the development of industry, arts, crafts, and agriculture through laws of
promotion (1917). Tariff protection begins as a mechanism for development
from national production, being evidence of public policies aimed at
develop the country.

In the first quarter of the 20th century, industries such as the ones in Panama are identified.
next:

The San Isidro Sugar Mill, the first sugar mill of the republic, founded by the Spaniard Don José
Varela Blanco in 1908 and the origin of Varela Hermanos

Panama Brewing & Refrigerating Company: A corporation founded in 1909 to

the manufacturing of ice and beer and whose board of directors was made up of illustrious
panameños: José Gabriel Duque, Ildefonso Preciado, Alberto De Obarrio, Manuel
Espinosa Batista and Jesé Hyatt. Gave rise to the National Brewery.
The Panama Coca-Cola Bottling Company: Founded in the second decade of the century by the
North American A.C. King and the origin of Coca-Cola in Panama

Santa Rosa Mill: Founded in 1911 by David Del Valle from Curacao and
origin of National Sugar Mill, S.A.

La Estrella Sugar Company: Founded in 1918 by Don Rodolfo from Aguadulce

Chiari Robles and the origin of the current CALESA Group

Isthmian Tobacco Company.

La Eureka: Soap factory founded in 1904 by Don Rodolfo Barraza in David,

Chiriquí. Origin of Barraza and Company, S.A.

Café Durán: Founded in 1909.

Sitton Cafe: Founded in Boquete, Chiriquí by Mauricio Sitton in 1921

The Panama American Publishing Company, Inc.: Founded in 1925 by the

North American Nelson Rounsevell and the origin of EPASA.

In the early years of the republican era, Mr. Gersavio García was already producing chocolate.
Paper was made from banana plant fibers, cookies, pasta, and
exported banana, coconut, loquat milk, coffee, cocoa, prepared meats, wood, and
other products that were primarily destined for the United States, Great Britain,
Spain, France, Italy, and Guatemala. This activity showcases the entrepreneurial capacity of
Panamanians and foreign residents in the country, who transformed raw materials.
in consumer goods and managed to place them in the local and international market.
Some companies had boards of directors, teams in constant renewal,
marketing activities and showed strong growth.

By 1916, Panama's competitive advantage for activities was already recognized.

commercial and service in general, mainly due to its geographical location and the
influx of national entrepreneurs and those from various parts of the world.

The vast majority of entrepreneurs and industrialists were educated abroad or

they had an empirical experience that allowed them to position themselves and sustain themselves in the
local market. Despite the limitations of the time, the success of this activity was
possible thanks to the vision of these entrepreneurs, their constant modernization, the climate
of a new nation with all kinds of opportunities and appropriate public policies.
All of this contributed to the fact that, in this first quarter of a century, the growth of the
industrial activities outside significant.
It is important to note that the presence of foreigners in Panama contributed to the
development of a culture of tolerance for diversity and a constant relationship with the
technology and the services that these groups demanded.

1925 - 1950: TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF CONSOLIDATION OF ACTIVITIES

INDUSTRIALES EN PANAMÁ.

If we maintain the concept of industrial engineering as the application of

knowledge and techniques to optimize resources systemically for a purpose
predetermined, there is no doubt that this period was characterized by a great
activity in this field.

Panamanians with the ability and enthusiasm to undertake at the beginning of the
The republic did not have many, but those who did were hardworking and productive and
promoted the economic and social development of the country. The Panamanian industry, born
Crafted by hand, it was modernized with the help of brave and visionary decisions.
which included capital, initiative, business management, and human resources. The
descendants of these businessmen were responsible for many of these companies
they continue to be productive after almost a hundred years.

During this period, some new industries are identified such as Kiener Products,
S.A. (founded by Paul Kiener and dedicated to the production of sausages), the Nestlé that
produced evaporated and condensed milk in Coclé, Max E. Jiménez (founded in 1944
by Max Jiménez Beluche for the import and distribution of chemical products and
first quality raw materials), the first poultry farm (1929, origin of
Hacienda Fidanque), among others.

In the 1940s, serious analysis and classification of the so-called began.

sources of "invisible income" from the country's economic boom. The influx of currency
coming from the Canal Zone and the demand for services from it stimulated the
development of activities that have mainly characterized the cities of
Panama and Colon: Restaurants, nightclubs, stores of all kinds of merchandise
dry (fabrics, clothing, tablecloths, glassware, etc.), theaters and cinemas, brothels, casinos, places
tourists, bars and all the informal activities known: Messengers, loaders, cleaners
boots, domestic employees, among others.)

To meet the demand for pasteurized milk from the residents in the
Canal Zone during World War II, the Chiari brothers and Rafael Estévez
the industrial cattle company Productos Estrella Azul was formed in 1943.

The activities of Industrial Engineering were present in all of these.

companies. The aluminum jugs were replaced by glass containers, of
cardboard and finally plastics, according to the technology of the time and maintaining the
quality demanded by the market.

The economic activity that had the most establishments and generated the highest income.
In the country, it was trade (mostly in small shops).

With the construction of Tocumen International Airport in 1948, it increased the

arrival of tourists to the country, promoting the establishment of hotels and other services
personal, with a significant economic contribution.

With commercial activity, a culture of logistical foresight develops in the country,

planning, buying and selling of goods and services, which, combined with technology,
also contributes to the development of the manufacturing industry. By this time only
there were two engineering and architecture offices throughout the country.

In addition to the National Bank, created in the early 20th century, from the Savings Bank (1934)
and some existing US banks, the Agricultural Bank is created and
Industrial de Panama in 1946, the Fiduciary Bank in 1948 (first bank of origin
European in the country) and the Urbanization and Rehabilitation Bank which, in 1950, became
Housing and Urbanism Institute (IVU). In 1941, the activity is regulated.
banking in Panama. However, the interference of engineering is not recognized.
Industrial in banking for this time.

In 1945, Paul Kiener participated with other visionaries in the creation of the Union of
Industrialists of Panama. Although Industrial Engineering was not yet known as such in
Panama, in the 1940s, significantly grows the establishment of industries
throughout the country and the range of goods and services is greatly expanded.

1950-1975: PERIOD OF GREAT CHANGES AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

The recession originated by the decline in demand for services that had
produced by the record flow of military operations and the expansion of the
infrastructure of the Panama Canal promotes the production process of
import substitution based on the model of the Economic Commission for
Latin America (ECLAC) for agriculture, livestock, fishing, and industry. In this sense,
public policies and state intervention to modernize the economy generate
a series of functions related today to Industrial Engineering; a relationship that, for
that time was far from being perceived.

The creation of the Colón Free Zone promotes the establishment of companies such as the
Pfizer (1951) and many others that primarily generate employment for this city.
contract with the Panama Refinery begins the evident exercise of various branches of the
Engineering in a single company in Colón. Civil, mechanical, chemical engineers and
Industrials join efforts in the development of this company. The name is translated.
from the Coca-Cola Company to Coca Cola of Panama, Bottling Company, S.A.
and later the Barú Panama Brewery is created, thus unleashing the so-called War
from Bottles (shapes, colors, and sizes) to breaking the monopoly of the Brewery
National. The seventies introduced new technology with canned sodas and packaging of
Plastic. Industrial Engineering was at its peak.

En estos años se crea el Instituto de Fomento Económico, entidad gubernamental para

the development and the first bank with Panamanian private capital appears, the Bank
General, S.A. (1955). Fifteen new banks are created that become part of the
National Banking System. There is no knowledge of industrial engineers in this activity.
until the seventies. Banking functions were performed by economists,
administrators or staff trained by banks.

The sixties represent the most dynamic era of the national economy with the
growth and diversification of the manufacturing sector. Food, clothing,
drinks, footwear, building materials, furniture, industrial processing of
fibers and other raw materials constitute a field that generates, on a massive scale,
demand for activities of Industrial Engineering. Simultaneously and in a manner
systemic, financial assistance is provided to address new investments. The banking
commercial, private and official, as well as specialized agencies contribute
successfully to the financing of new industrial companies. The Alliance for the
Progress, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Agency for Development
International (AID) provides credits that also contribute to the construction of
infrastructure and communication routes that expedite the marketing process.

The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of the University of Panama, which until this
At that time, it only trained Civil Engineers and related technicians, aware of its
responsibility to provide the country with the quantity and quality of professionals required
due to the described boom, signs an agreement with the Monterrey Institute of Technology
Mexico, through which the students were taking their first years of engineering in
Panama and they were finishing the degrees in Industrial Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Electrical in that institute. Until that moment, electrical engineers, mechanics
the existing industries in the country were completely trained abroad and,
although they had greatly contributed to industrial development, they were becoming
insufficient in the face of the cited rise.

Thus, starting in 1964, the Panamanians who graduated from these programs took charge of
manage the new mentioned careers in Panama, with the contribution of the engineers already
existing in the country.
Initially, the occupational field of industrial engineers was limited to
manufacturing and agro-industrial industries. Then, at the beginning of the 1970s, these
professionals are beginning to enter Banking, at the Institute of Resources
Hydraulics and Electrification (IRHE), in the Telecommunications Institute (INTel) and,
later, in the television industry that had been created since 1959.

During this period, a new type of business known as franchises begins.

(Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's and others). However, the participation of
Industrial engineers in restaurants, hotels, and similar services take a few years.

1975 - 2000: INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IN ACTION.

With the administrative separation of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of

Panama, the Polytechnic Institute is created, initiating a massive expansion in the
training of professionals in engineering and related technicians throughout the country. The
Industrial Engineering does not escape this situation and begins to venture into the new
professionals in all economic activities.

Despite the above, the level of industrialization, which has always been relatively low,
begins to deteriorate from 1970, when it accounted for 13% of the Product
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition, the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977 established
the calendar a date that would mean a significant reduction in production of the
country. However, timely alternatives that could replace the
demand that would be reduced as a consequence in 2000, estimated at 200 million
annual balboas.

The political-economic crisis of the 1980s had a negative impact on

any medium and long-term planning. This decade was a loss for the
industry. At the same time and surely as an alternative, Industrial Engineering
developed extensively in the service sector: Banks, restaurants, franchises,
trade and similar activities began to use logistics knowledge,
warehouse, inventory control, time management, process and procedure redesign, etc.
characteristics of industrial engineers.

The geographical advantages that have always influenced the inclination towards services,
linked to the presence of the Canal, the port infrastructure, the Free Zone, the Center
Banking and monetary stability were able to develop the industry like in others.
countries. However, this did not happen in Panama. These characteristics have developed the
service sector in this country, which generates less employment per unit of investment and
that, therefore, does not significantly impact the increase in the standard of living of
many Panamanians, as the other two sectors of the economy could achieve it:
Agricultural and industrial. However, the development of the service sector has been such
which is still the subject of studies by economists. The influx of foreigners and the
services provided inside and outside the country from national territory, the
banking infrastructure, tourism, legal services, and others, generate large
currencies. Industrial Engineering has contributed to the development of these services: Banking,
tourism, electrification and communication services, creation of companies,
supply of ships, organization of international events in the country and everything
type of services, applying knowledge and techniques for resource optimization
in order to produce goods and services of quality in a sustained manner and
sustainable.

The role of industrial engineers in agribusiness cannot be overlooked.

meat industry and its products, the production of leather and leather footwear, the
poultry meat chains - eggs and pork meat and their products, the industry
Shrimp farming, among others, has been developed thanks to the contribution of engineering.
Industrial and related technical careers. The same happens in the manufacturing of cement, lime,
gypsum and its products, alcoholic beverages and alcohol. On the other hand, the pasta chain,
paper and cardboard have decreased and the textile - clothing industry, so prosperous in the
sixties, has almost disappeared due to the lack of adequate policies, from the
rapid reconversion of processes and the use of appropriate technology.

GDP stagnated between 1994 and 1997 and the decrease in jobs continued.
It seems that the lack of a policy that helps with the reconversion or restructuring of
The industry, combined with measures imposed by globalization, has generated conditions
negatives for the manufacturing sector encouraging other sectors, particularly
those linked to the service and import trade. Thus, some are identified
transnational companies that are withdrawing from production lines (Colgate -
Palmolive and Philip Morris) tend to specialize like in the case of Nestlé. This has
even more encouraged the participation of industrial engineers in the sector
services.

The development of communication infrastructure has benefited companies.

requiring the adaptation of human resources to technological incorporations
necessary. This adaptation presents a new challenge for the training of engineers
industries, to the development of specific skills and attitudes that make today of
Industrial engineer, one different from twenty-five years ago.

The impact of Industrial Engineering on the development of Panama is

considerably different from that of neighboring countries. The traditional activity of this
discipline in the manufacturing industry worldwide has achieved its greatest
contributions to the services sector in Panama. The ability to adapt techniques used in the
manufacturing sector to another sector that requires additional skills, is a
competitive element that the Panamanian Industrial Engineer has developed as
product of the application of their knowledge in the service sector.
The industry that contributes most to the country's economic development is the Panama Canal.
service entity where a significant number of engineers work
industrial and related technical.

The industrial sector remains, proportionally, the largest employer by currency.

generated. Hence the need to establish policies that contribute to development
this sector, without neglecting the service sector, which has traditionally produced
greater currencies for the country. Industrial Engineering will contribute wherever it is given.
productive activity.

FINAL REFLECTIONS.

The history of Industrial Engineering is made up of a superlative diversity of

men and women dedicated to different careers, whose contributions were made in
different stages of their lives, with different nationalities and interests. This
peculiarity makes Industrial Engineering a technical and human discipline, that
combines science, technique, and art and, as a consequence, requires the practice of both
intellectual intelligence as well as emotional intelligence.

All the techniques applied to the machines and the other resources that are coordinated
to achieve an objective, they must be modified when applied to human resources.
These modifications do not blindly obey written or structured rules; their
The successful application depends on the ability to combine situational elements.
to make a correct decision; it requires the inclusion of knowledge
psicológicos y sociales muy poco considerados en otras ramas de la Ingeniería.

The increasing competition of everyone against everyone, the advancement of technology and a whole
myriad of constants and profound changes, thin out the dividing line between a
discipline and another. Thus, Industrial Engineering today shares knowledge and techniques
with all the other disciplines and areas of knowledge that deal with resources
that she coordinates to achieve a purpose.

These resources: Materials, tools, equipment, information, physical environment and

psychological, financial, and human resources are, in turn, subject to constant
changes, which makes Industrial Engineering a dynamic exercise that demands the
adoption and adaptation of all kinds of knowledge and the development of
creative abilities to effectively contribute to the development of society and to
improvement of the quality of life of the human being.

There is no doubt that Industrial Engineering has developed extensively in

Panama has extended its branches to sectors not yet explored in this
measured by neighboring countries. This advantage gives the country the opportunity to be competitive.
in all sectors of the economy.
To take advantage of this benefit, it is necessary, as it was at the beginnings of the republic,
increase the number of Panamanians, both men and women, who, among the limitations
find business opportunities that rise up against the threats of the environment
perceiving them as challenges that can be successfully faced, take
brave decisions, develop values that promote the trust required to
invest in the country and are willing to generate and distribute wealth on their own
means. In this sense, education takes on vital importance, as the spirit
entrepreneurship is not inherited, it is learned from the environment (family, school, the
models, the media, among others) and reinforced throughout the
existence.

The proper training and constant updating of the Industrial Engineer, as well as
of any other discipline, they become important for national development. Only one
A systemic view of the issue could lay the groundwork for Engineering
The industry continues to contribute effectively and sustainably, with all its potential, to
country development.