Supply Chain Games
The Global Supply Chain Games program aims at creating a versatile operational environment, using the leading Java application platform and the revolutionary DSOL simulator platform, to develop teaching applications for Supply Chain Management. The websites provided by the organization are developed to give a realistic simulation experience, in which managers and students can experience many common issues and concepts in supply chain operations. The websites provide rich information, to help the users to learn about topics such as customer relationships, the supply chain planning and execution, and the analysis of supply chain processes. The websites also provide the opportunity for the training of new employees.
Many supply chain games involve a set of mathematical calculations, which allow the players to assess the performance of a company or business. These games are designed to train and improve mathematical skills, and help to develop problem solving capabilities. While most supply chain games focus on logical and analytical topics, some of them include real-life examples of supply chain management processes, which allow the players to get a feel for the challenges and problems associated with supply chain management, even under extreme operating conditions. Some supply chain games allow the player to implement different supply chain strategies, depending on their situation and the requirements of the game.
For instance, one of the popular supply chain games is the Supply Chain Simulator Game, developed by Global Service Corp. This game allows the player to choose various elements of the supply chain management to be simulated on a computer screen. The player can simulate the movement of a particular raw material through various supply points in the supply chain. The activities of the supply chain can include the purchase of a specific amount of materials, the movement of the raw materials from their point of origin to their desired destination, and the storage of the materials until they are needed again. The simulator also allows the player to change the speed of the conveyor belt or to slow down the rate of shipment.
Another supply chain simulation game is the Supply Chain Simulator Game developed by Rail Sim Systems Ltd. In this game, the player can choose various elements of the supply chain management to be simulated on a computer screen. These include the location of the manufacturer, the assembly and quality assurance plants, the shipping terminals and depots, the warehouses, the distributors, the brokers and the customer service representatives. The activities of the supply chains can include the shipment of raw materials, through trucks, trains and airplanes to the manufacturers, assembly plants, warehouses and distribution points. The simulator also enables the player to change the speed of the conveyor belt or to slow it down.
Supply chain games can also be based on actual supply chain situations. In these supply chain games, the players must react to sudden changes in the supply of a certain component, such as a drop in the order or a rise in the demand. Simulations of real-time situations help players plan their strategies in advance. They can assess the effect of any change in the supply of key components on their production process. In supply chain games, the production, packaging and shipping processes are all simulated to allow players to evaluate how well they can respond to sudden changes in supply.
Simulation games based on supply chain management to provide an opportunity for people to experience supply chain management for the first time. Through this, they can learn more about how the supply chain works. It helps them learn how they can improve their businesses, by choosing the best strategies for production, packaging, transportation, gathering of resources and so on. There are a lot of supply chain games available to choose from, which can be played over the Internet or by computer software.
