ERP System

Other Video Games That Employ ERP Software Systems for Multiple Company Purposes

Another big company that uses video games for multiple functions is Siemens, a major high-tech manufacturer. Its development of a video game called Plantville, provides excellent grounds for training in the manufacturing departments. In the game, the employee takes control of Pete the Plant Manager, the main character, and learns to build and manage a manufacturing plant; design the walls and floors, develop and install machinery, hire workers, and so on, in the process teaching the user how to utilize the functions and subsequently learn the skills of all the departments in the company- including those of the top managerial boards.

The basic objective of a high-tech/manufacturing company like Siemens, in employing an ERP system-based video game like Plantville, is inspiring the workforce to pursue career advancement opportunities in that industry, and learn the skills necessary to become potential future plant managers.

This element demonstrates perfectly how the infrastructure of a company changes drastically with the implementation of ERP software systems, shifting from the top-down, vertical corporate control by the managerial levels over the chain of command, to a horizontal cross-sectioning form based on employee participation and visibility into the operations of every level in the organization.

SAP (one of the giant vendors of ERP software systems), for its part, is designing and developing gaming applications for i-Pads to be used in business and board meetings, to improve minute-taking and readings, and also enable the directors to communicate more viably with the rest of the board members.  

What arises from these examples or “case-studies” is the development of a kind of system based on the concept of associationism, which has been developing since the turn of the century and obviously in conjunction with the introduction of ERP software systems. It is normally defined in industrial terminology as the bridging together of the various, different operational components within multiple industries, into associative clusters based on mutual interests and common goals.

In the manufacturing industry dealing with the production of physical and non-IT related goods, the process involves partnering with academic research institutes, private and government research organizations, various sponsors, venture capitalists and other investors, and manufacturing facilities to further a single common goal such as developing and/or patenting a new invention.

It is a process that is not much different from that of the ERP software systems deployment sector, except that the latter uses online technology to standardize and homogenize company functions so as to reduce manpower and minimize the outsourcing of materials, workforce and resources for R&D and consultation purposes.

Written by :

tracey boxer