PERFECT PLACES

On this visit, we gained quality insight as to what Siemens is today, how it came to be and more specifically how the company develops building technology that aligns with its vision of “creating perfect places.”  

The visit started with what we all thought would be a simple elevator ride up to a room to receive a presentation on the company. We soon found out, however, the elevator ride was, in fact, a theatrical performance in which it appeared to malfunction to show us an example of a well-designed building system working on its own to solve a problem.

We then came out on the opposite side, still on the ground level where we were shown a video on the history of Siemens, followed by a series of presentations on the company’s meaningful current communication and marketing strategy, as well as one showing how they can produce efficient building technologies and digital services using big data. The visit concluded with the hands-on application of our business learning to a Siemens mini-case analysis.

This visit also gave us the opportunity to learn unique facts about the history of the company. The one I found to be most interesting was the accidental invention of the FI Ionization smoke detector in 1940 by researchers experimenting with poisonous gas detection, and inadvertently setting the system off with their cigarette smoke.  

In general, I found this visit to be one of the more beneficial activities in my educational experience. I say this because we were given a chance to apply our knowledge and think critically in small groups, rather than just being lectured. I also feel this way because of the great job the presenters did at showing us the genuine effect a good communication strategy can have on a company’s success, especially when they have the cutting-edge technology and results to back up their vision. They also made the visit fun and enjoyable by being incredibly friendly, offering interactive experiences, and going the extra mile by offering refreshments and, most importantly, air conditioning.

-by Timothy Hartman, senior from Byram Township, N.J., majoring in supply chain management
June 12, 2018