As we reflect on the journey of IISE and envision our path forward, I am filled with immense honor and optimism. My introduction to IISE came through Dr. Krishnakumar Krishnan at Wichita State University Go Shocks! In 2001, as a volunteer with the WSU Student Chapter, I saw IISE principles in action when we painted a house for a needy family. The experience of using our skills to help the community was inspiring. I have a privilege of working leading innovation, excellence, strategic portfolio deployment, process re-engineering, product optimization, change management, and continuous improvement across four continents. Now, I manage the Enterprise Artificial Intelligence programs at Autodesk, a pioneering design and make software company.

Our commitment to serving industrial engineers involved with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, and other operational excellence methodologies remains unwavering. The Operational Excellence Division has long been a key part of IISE, boasting over 2,000 members.

Continuing this legacy, we are excited to announce new and dynamic initiatives at the upcoming IISE Annual Conference in May, featuring dedicated tracks that promise to be transformative. At this event, we'll honor outstanding achievements in Operational Excellence with three prestigious awards: Best Practice Award, Best Student Paper Award, and Best Teaching Award. We invite you to nominate and recommend deserving individuals. More information on the Op Ex Division awards can be found on our web page https://www.iise.org/Details.aspx?id=951#oe

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you know someone who should be nominated!

I am pleased to introduce the esteemed members of our Board of Directors for the Operational Excellence Division. Their combined expertise and leadership will undoubtedly guide our division towards achieving new heights of innovation and efficiency.

Did you know that the IISE OpEx Division has a LinkedIn group to facilitate collaboration with fellow professionals who are passionate about Lean Six Sigma and Operational Excellence? We welcome all OpEx Division members to join our LinkedIn group: IISE Operational Excellence Division.

Looking ahead, our focus remains steadfast on driving the profession forward through the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The integration of AI into industrial engineering is not just an advancement; it is a revolution. AI is unlocking new potentials, allowing us to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and automate routine tasks with unprecedented efficiency.

AI tools are providing our members with advanced data analytics and predictive modeling capabilities that were previously unimaginable. By analyzing vast amounts of data to identify inefficiencies and predict future trends, AI empowers us to implement proactive measures, streamline operations, and significantly reduce waste. AI is at the core of data-driven decision-making targets, offering real-time insights and recommendations that lead to more informed and strategic decisions. By recognizing patterns and offering actionable insights, AI helps us navigate complex scenarios and choose the best path forward with confidence.

Automation through AI, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), is freeing up valuable time for our members to focus on strategic and creative endeavors. By handling repetitive tasks such as data entry, report generation, and compliance monitoring, AI ensures consistency and accuracy while minimizing human error. This not only enhances productivity but also boosts morale by allowing our members to engage in more meaningful work.

As we advance, I call upon each of you, both professionals and students, to actively participate in our initiatives and share your insights. AI is shaping the future of industrial engineering, and your engagement is crucial to our collective success and the continuous improvement of our profession. Together, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and inclusive Operational Excellence Division.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Let us continue to make things better, not only within our organization but in the broader world where industrial and systems engineering can drive meaningful change. Feel free to ping me or connect via the link https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnankrishnaiyer/

Let's continue to innovate, lead with purpose, collaboration, and joy.

Warm regards,

Krishnan Krishnaiyer Ph.D.

President Operational Excellence Division 2024-25

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering