Industrial Engineering Needs a Revolution to Become Effective and Sustainable: An Exhaustive Review and Outlook

Industrial engineering has long served as a cornerstone of productivity and efficiency in manufacturing environments by focusing on the design and optimization of machinery, processes, and systems. However, its application has largely remained confined within the traditional boundaries of factory floors. This narrow scope has limited its potential in addressing broader, systemic challenges in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. This research identifies a significant gap: despite its foundational role in operations, industrial engineering has not fully adapted to the demands of Industry 4.0 and the emerging paradigms of Industry 5.0, which emphasize human–machine harmony, sustainability, and adaptability. This paper advocates for a revolution in industrial engineering—one that transcends conventional methods and redefines the discipline through open-minded innovation, universal applicability, and immediate transformation. The novelty of this review lies in its conceptual framework that promotes optimization as a mindset rather than a rigid methodology. It argues that industrial engineering must evolve into a dynamic discipline capable of creative problem-solving, unrestricted by outdated procedures or limited applications. This paper outlines three key transformations required to achieve this revolution: (1) the universal application of industrial engineering principles beyond traditional domains; (2) the prioritization of innovation and creativity over procedural optimization; and (3) the urgency of immediate implementation. By challenging conventional thinking and encouraging the development of novel, potentially patentable approaches, this study aims to position industrial engineering at the forefront of technological revolutions and socio-technical change. This revolutionary perspective is intended to guide both academics and practitioners in embracing a more fluid, adaptive, and forward-looking role, ensuring that industrial engineering remains relevant and impactful in shaping the future of global industry in the context of Industry 4.0 and beyond.