The world of computer games will provide more and more interesting input in areas other than fun and games.
For instance, games can offer many different ways of solving global supply chain problems. In combination with the development in cloud technology, groups of people join forces and collaborate online within various areas of interest. The important keywords for this development are:
Network – Collaboration – Openness – Team spirit – Infinite
The online-game generation
Many people think that the world’s hundreds of millions of active gamers – there are nine million gamers in The Netherlands alone – shut themselves off from reality, but in fact they are actually collaborating creatively online. Some fundamental beliefs for these online gamers are:
- Working to achieve common goals
- Trusting that the common goal is just that – common
- Believing that you have to give in order to get – or you’re dead
- Being adaptive and responsive – slow-moving is not an option
- Adapting in your group and in relation to the outer world is important
The influence of online games and online gamers on Supply Chain Management
Already today there are game applications within Supply Chain Management, primarily used as support for simulation and for training and education (for example, there are many variations of the so-called ‘Beer Game’, and a fairly new, successful tool within Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) called ‘The Fresh Connection’). However, I believe the new generation of gamers who are growing up now and will be decision-makers in the future will change this picture. Online-game technology and concepts will become a part of the new cloud-based Supply Chain Management systems that supports a completely new kind of collaboration within supply chains.
A strategic window
How much time do we have before the online-game generation hold decision-making positions? Maybe five or ten years. There is a window of opportunity in the market where companies already offering cloud based software can think creatively and get a headstart in development, influenced by the applications and behavior of the online-game generation. Build your competitive advantage already today. First Mover Advantage is still the name of the game.
Many organizations still have outdated views of methods and tools (IT tools, for example) enabling a higher degree of online supply chain collaboration. Embrace new technology and the advantages it offers in relation to the keywords above. It is cloud technology and the behaviour of the younger generation which to a large extent will pave the way for these new opportunities.
Hans Berggren CEO PipeChain