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Departmental Research

Overview

The Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Department is a unique blending of engineering and business knowledge and methods. Our faculty combine this with their many areas of interest to produce a highly sought after research product that is second to none.

Research Areas by Program
Electronics Engineering Technology
Industrial Distribution - Global Supply Chain Laboratory
Industrial Distribution - Thomas and Joan Read Center
Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology

Electronics Engineering Technology Program Research

The Electronics program engages in funded applied research projects with an emphasis on enhancing undergraduate education. It is through the exposure to "real-world" projects that students are prepared to be immediately productive in their careers. The faculty has three primary areas of applied research:

• RFID/Sensor Lab securely links the physical plant and its operational environment to the information technology and business environment allowing customers to dynamically aggregate, analyze and act upon data and adjust operations in response to changes in their business environment. The main purpose of the lab is to design systems and sensor networks integrating remote sensors (Environmental, Security and Tracking, Biomedical, Asset and People Location, Process Control Automation, and Structural) monitoring, RFID, GPS and wireless technology.
• Intelligent Sensor Networks - Through the effort of the Mobile Integrated Solutions Laboratory, the faculty are currently developing distributed sensor networks for applications including homeland security, agriculture, and inventory management.
• Semiconductor Testing - Collaborations with industrial partners including Texas Instruments, Freescale Semiconductor, and National Instruments has resulted in a research and academic emphasis in the area of semiconductor testing. Two named laboratories have been established to support ongoing projects in test optimization and semiconductor device characterization.
• Entrepreneurship - The most recent initiative within the programs involves the promotion of entrepreneurial activities in the Brazos Valley region and the State of Texas. The Mobile Integrated Solutions Laboratory has partnered with local entities to provide entrepreneurial education and opportunities to undergraduate students preparing to leave Texas A&M University.

For More information please visit: http://etidweb.tamu.edu/electronics/research.htm

Industrial Distribution Program Research

The Global Supply Chain Laboratory (GSCL) is a Texas A&M Industrial Distribution Program laboratory utilized to educate our students, create cutting edge solutions for wholesale and industrial distribution channels, and provide answers to Distribution and Supply Chain Management (SCM) challenges. The lab conducts research projects to solve distribution industry problems. Projects areas include Inventory classification (ABC stratification), Forecasting, purchasing planning, distribution network optimization (asset management), logistics planning, distribution channel analysis, application of performance metrics, Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) process and functionality improvements etc. The lab also assists distributors and manufacturers with technology implementation, process automation and training to better manage their assets and increase profitability. The Supply Chain systems Laboratory also offers education and training to industrial distributors and manufacturers. The educational programs are research based, innovative, proven, and cutting edge methods developed at Texas A&M's Industrial Distribution Program. For More Information please visit: http://id.tamu.edu/research-solutions/global-supply-chain-laboratory

The Thomas and Joan Read Center for Distribution Research and Education applies both advanced research skills and a thorough understanding of distribution to every project. Our experts, who merge long standing industry experience with the latest developments in academia, conduct both primary and secondary research for manufacturers, distributors, professional associations and publications.

Our expertise lies in the following major areas with in the field of Industrial Distribution.

• Distributor Quality
• Sales / Marketing
• Executive Leadership
• Strategy / Relationships
• Profitability / Purchasing
• Supply Chain Management
• Transportation / Logistics
• ERP / CRM / IT / E-business

For More information please visit: http://id.tamu.edu/professional-development

Manufacturing and Mechanical Program Research

The Manufacturing & Mechanical program has an active research program that spans from theoretical work, industrial applications, and education in areas that pertain to manufacturing processes and systems. MMET's research program is characterized by collaborations with other disciplines and industry, and the participation of undergraduate and graduate students. Currently the faculty members have research activity in the following broad areas:

• Automation including robotics, system integration, and smart design of reconfigurable manufacturing systems
• Manufacturing processes and materials including micro/nano manufacturing technologies for robust, three-dimensional MEMS, materials joining, and the development of novel manufacturing processes.
• Manufacturing systems including performance assessment and optimization, quality assurance, and capacity management.
• Applied mechanics including the modeling of novel materials processing technologies, and the modeling of forming polymer coated materials and thin-film coated polymers.
• Thermal sciences including the physical characterization of nano-particles for heat transfer applications, energy conservation, renewable energy, and fuel cells.
• Educational research including K-12 outreach models, web-based teaching and learning, and curriculum globalization.

For More information please visit: http://etidweb.tamu.edu/manufacturing