Visit to 3M

Of all the 3M products, I find 2 of them most interesting

1. 3M™ Intelligent Return and Sorter System

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSu7zK1fslxtUn8_eO8tBev7qe17zHvTSevTSeSSSSSS--&fn=Intlgnt%20return%20sort.pdf

It is interesting to see how advancement in technology has significantly increased the efficiency of work and made the experience of customers (in this case, library users) better. For example, at the very start, librarians scanned the barcode of the returned books manually. Hence, the books returned by customers might not be detected instantly. However, this 3M™ Intelligent Return and Sorter System,designed for libraries interested in automating their check-in and sorting process, allows customers to quickly self return items with “real-time check-in”. With this feature, they can be assured items are instantly checked in upon return. This allows them to check out items without exceeding loan limits in the same visit. It is also interesting that this product is very customizable. For libraries with limited space, the system can be used for return only or can accommodate up to three bins with a sort matrix configured to best meet your library’s needs.

Science/Math principles involved:

Material engineering (to decide most suitable materials to use for different parts of the system)

Optical engineering (use of laser to scan barcode: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode_reader#Laser_scanners)

Mechanical engineering (design of the system)

Computer science/Math (coding, algorithm)

2. BlueCheck

http://solutions.3m.com.sg/3MContentRetrievalAPI/BlobServlet?lmd=1318839883000&locale=en_SG&assetType=MMM_Image&assetId=1273695336267&blobAttribute=ImageFile

It is interesting that the fingerprint identification system (which was an enormous machine back then) has been downscaled to a portable equipment. BlueCheck enables users to perform two types of searches. Users can capture and search against fingerprint templates stored on the device or securely transfer captured fingerprints to a host,

such as a PDA, laptop, or smart phone, via Bluetooth or USB connection. With Cogent’s MobileID application, the host device can submit ANSI-NIST format files via SMTP or FTP to a remote server or to an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for fingerprint identification.Since this equipment is very portable, it will bring about much ease for the policemen and ensure no delay in capturing a potential criminal, maintaining peace in the region.

Science/Math principles involved:

Material engineering (to decide most suitable materials to use for different parts of the system)

Electrical engineering (detection of fingerprint: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/fingerprint-scanner3.htm)

Mechanical engineering (design of the system)

Computer science/Math (coding, algorithm, transmission of information wirelessly from BlueCheck to hos devices)

• What are the innovations you have experienced with since childhood?

XBox, Computer, PSP, TV, Radio, CD, Google, Youtube, Windows, Phone, Text Messaging, Air-conditioner, XBox 360, PS3, NDS, McDonald's Happy Meal, McDonald's McCafe, Iphone, Tablet PC, Laptop, Printer

• What are some interesting project ideas / areas of research or even hands-on experiments that you think can be explored in future learning of sciences & math in the school?

Project Ideas:

Searching for other renewable, alternative sources of energy to replace fuel which is depleting

Finding methods to replace expensive materials such as gold in memory chips and medicine (Ways how gold is used in products: http://www.gold.org/technology/uses/ )

Hands-on experiment:

Observing real life application of technologies and knowledge in products and understanding how their current knowledge is applied in real world. For example, in Secondary 4, we learnt about electrolysis, which is related to electroplating, a process essential in making of printer flex.

• Major Takeaways

3M values innovation. This can be seen from 3M policy that 6% of sales is re-invested back into research and development sector. Furthermore, 3M, Woodlands branch in Singapore, also has a Kaizen room (improvement room). This room allows workers to exercise their creativity to come up with innovative ideas to solve the problems. Afterwhich, they are then recognised for their effort. The 15% program by 3M also allows workers to have free time to research on their own to find new ideas to promote innovation. 3M management also encouraged workers to be inquisitive, asking questions which has objectives and benefits to all. The large emphasis 3M placed on innovation has definitely played an important role in development of 65,000+ products.

3M values employees. 3M allows workers to switch between the regular career path (management) and the technical career path. Employees are also free to choose which part of the process they prefer and switch between different processes easily (PI Etch in production of printer flex to sputter in the production of the same thing). 3M is very concerned with the interests of the employees. This prevents employees from getting bored by staying at the same job positions for many, many, many years. This will make job experience of employees more interesting, increasing productivity of employees. At the same time, 3M will be able to keep their talents and not lose them to competitors. 3M views employees not just as workers but part of their large family.