I was enthusiastic about the idea of recruiting people to both STEM careers and to careers in process and discrete manufacturing in particular, so when Plantville first came out last year I talked about it a lot. Now with over 20,000 players all over the world, and specific country editions coming out, I was pleased to see Siemens' press release below announcing version 2.0.
I suggested a game something like this in editorials, speeches and articles years ago, and of all the major automation vendors, only Siemens has attempted what I suggested. Go, Siemens! Let's educate those kids, and drag them into manufacturing.
Remember, automation is like the Hotel California..."you can check out but you can never leave." So once we get them, we've got them. Go, STEM!
Here's Siemens' press release:
SIEMENS' PLANTVILLE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR, ANNOUNCES NEW SITE FEATURES
ATLANTA, March 30, 2012 -- Siemens today announced several new features of PlantvilleTM, its online gaming platform that simulates the experience of being a plant manager. The award-winning game boasts over 21,000 players in more than 160 countries since its launch one year ago, and has been recognized as a leader in online engagement by industry awards such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and PR News. The new game features include industrial productivity scores, competition capabilities, and several new design elements on the Plantville homepage.
The new industrial productivity score measures the productivity of each of the three plants in the Plantville game based on a standard formula that results in a cost per day total. The IP formula combines five key costs of production: raw materials, wages, overhead, energy and asset depreciation.
"The virtual activity in Plantville mimics the real-world environment where plant managers continually watch key performance indicators (KPIs) and strive to maximize productivity and efficiency," says Raj Batra, president, Industry Automation division, Siemens Industry, Inc. "Industrial productivity is driving the recovery in U.S. manufacturing today, and Siemens is helping to unleash that productivity through its wide array of products and solutions-many of which players can experience in the Plantville game."
Players will now also have the ability to form teams and compete against one another for highest score and KPI value. Competitions can be initiated by any registered Plantville player. Of the more than 700 educational institutions that play Plantville, several have held competitions among their students. One such school is a charter school in Atlanta-Tech High-where CEO Steven Walker says his students are able to hone their problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as their ability to collaborate as a team.
"These are vital 21st century skills and abilities that are in high demand by employers today," Walker says. "Innovative ways to promote engagement in the classroom is a teacher's best friend and we are fortunate to have Siemens as a partner to make Plantville available to our students."
Users will also notice some changes when they visit the Plantville homepage: Plantville product inquiry; Google social media; the Plantville awards highlight area; the Plantville merchandise link; and the Siemens virtual Answers for Industry (AFI) link.
The game has also expanded internationally. Siemens Netherlands recently launched their own version of Plantville. For more information or to play Plantville, visit: www.plantville.com
