On 2 July 2015, SAP University Alliances Austria organized an ERPsim challenge for vocational students.44 vocational students from different schools gathered in the higher technical school (HTL)of Braunau to play the ERP simulation game. There were 4 different schools participating in the event: HAK Braunau, HTL Braunau, HLW Braunau and HAK St. Johann im Pongau. Therefore, this event was also a perfect opportunity for the students to meet with students from different backgrounds and eventually make new friends.
After some welcome words, the event kicked off with an ice-breaking game which helped the students to get to know each other and also facilitated the communication within the team during the ERPsim game.
The ERPsim game is a real-time simulation using SAP ERP Software. Students are put in a situation where they have to run a business with the real life ERP system simulating time and market. The students manage a bottled water distribution company. The game helps to develop a hands-on understanding of the concepts underlying enterprise systems, experience the benefits of enterprise integration firsthand, develop technical skills at using ERP software and it trains entrepreneurial skills
The game started with an introduction round to help the students to get familiar with the platform and transactions of SAP. The students were able to change the price level and the marketing expenses of their company. Furthermore, they were also responsible for the procurement. The goal was to maximize profits. The participants were slowly led through the first three rounds of the ERPsim game. The different backgrounds of the students were helping in the interplay of the students. They helped each other to solve problems and understand the game better.
After introducing the ERPsim game in the first round, in the second round the mixed teams were competing against each other. The students were interacting with their team members and planned the strategy for the company. After 60 simulated days the game ended and the outcome was visible. The results of all teams were extraordinarily good and every company could realize profits. All participants got a certificate for attending the event and the first 3 teams received a prize sponsored by SAP .
Some of the students already had experience with SAP software, others had never been working with SAP before and they all liked the experience.
The feedback of the students showed that they had fun playing the game and gained new insights about their actions by using the integrated SAP ERP system.
The teachers were also very eager to see the results and very supportive in enabling the students to participate at the event.
It was a great experience - Congratulations to all the participants for their enthusiasm, great teamwork and excellent results!