Educational Computer Games for Improved Production Performance

Abstract

For the younger generation soon entering the working life, games form a natural part of every-day activities. This may have an impact on the working environments of the future. In the chemical process industry, there is a need for powerful information systems which give decision support to the operating personnel in abnormal and potentially hazardous situations. Recently, advanced systems with simulation capabilities and situation-based advice have been introduced. The event scenarios identified in hazard studies could be visualised in a digital game equipped with 3-dimensional graphics, simulation capabilities and fault propagation knowledge. The objective is to improve the safety of industrial operations by introducing safety gaming as a novel tool for process safety. Demonstration prototypes have been developed which illustrate the possibilities of digital games in the industrial process control domain.