ERPsim

A Simulation Game for S/4HANA

Overview
SAP University Alliances

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 Content

What is ERPsim?

Why is it important?

Using of ERPsim in class

ERPsim Events

Using ERPsim for Research Projects

How can I start?

Helpful resources

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 “ERPSim has been a core component of our
undergraduate and graduate enterprise systems courses
Updated Jan. 2025
for almost 20 years. The experiential learning of running
ERPsim in the Classroom a virtual company is invaluable to our student teams”
Nitin Vasant Kale, University of Southern California
ERPsim is a business simulation game for SAP
S/4HANA where student teams use SAP to manage a
virtual company in a competitive market. Teams use Available ERPsim games Fast facts
SAP Analytics Cloud to analyze results of their
business decisions.
Logistics 6,250 simulation games played
Win or lose, participants improve their knowledge of wholesale distributor last year
business processes and their understanding of how Sustainability of dairy products
ERP systems effectively manage those processes. metrics impact 29,000 simulations played
company over the last 5 years
valuation!
Manufacturing
• Developed by the non-profit ERPsim Lab at HEC make-to-stock manufacturing
Montreal and offered globally through University Alliances of muesli breakfast cereals 300 universities in 38 countries
since 2004 play ERPsim
• Use ERPsim in the classroom, join a competition, or
Maple
support your research
Click here to learn more Import maple syrup /
30,000 students per year play
ERPsim in-class, during competitions,
resell
This resource is available for SAP
and other events
University Alliances member institutions.
First impressions Contact your local University/Academic Digital Transformation
• Blog | Learning by Gaming | 3 min read Competence Center or your country
manager to get started with teaching. If (logistics game scenario) 900 ERPsim research articles in
Improve processes, rethink Google Scholar and 300 citations
you are unsure who that is, please
contact our team at
[email protected]. strategy, manage change
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 Depending on the scenario,
How ERPsim Works? they make decisions in the
areas of:
ERPsim allows students to planning
learn how to manage a
accounts and financing
business using an ERP system.
procurement
They do so by using a real SAP S/4HANA production
system to obtain information and input their Overview
decisions. sales and distribution

Simulator ERP System Participants

1 Automation of
administrative tasks 1 Business decisions

2 Simulation of a market 2 Business analytics

3 Simulation of
the passing of time 3 Engagement

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 Multiple scenarios available

Manufacturing Sustainability
Operating a make-to-stock Measure and track Carbon emissions:
manufacturing company that sells muesli • Measuring in kilograms of carbon
breakfast cereals to the German market dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
• Following the “Greenhouse Gas
Protocol” (GHG Protocol)

ü Carbon emissions generated and

tracked from different sources such as
production, transportation,
ERPsim Logistics warehousing, and overhead
offers different games and scenarios Manage a wholesale distributor of dairy ü Carbon is taxed and deducted from
that are suited for different learning products in the German market
the revenues
outcomes and targeted for different
groups of students. ü Possible to invest in sustainability and
reduce carbon footprint
Students' role: Maintain profitable
operations while keeping carbon
Maple footprint low
Your company imports 8 different
bottled maple syrup from Canada and
MAPLE sells them in a German-based market
divided in 3 regions

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 New Digital Transformation scenario
Logistics Platinum Digital Process Transformation
Manage a wholesale distributor of dairy • Evaluating and improving processes
products in the German market • Rethinking current strategies
• Change management due to introduction of new technology

Form a group of four or five enthusiastic participants and collaboratively

Objectives: engage in ERPsim, where each one gets to play a unique role in digital
1. Participate in a simulated digital transformation journey transformation of the logistics processes of a Dairy Company.

2. Understand that the success of digital transformation

initiatives requires not just technology, but also effective
change management

3. Learn to critically reflect prior digital transformation

experiences and their impact on the organization's value Planning Logistic Pricing Stock Sales vice-
manager manager manager manager president
can be merged

Target Audience: Classroom experience: Teaching Notes

• Non-IT executives (MBA or Executive MBA • In-person, remote, or hybrid Provide detailed prep steps for students
students) • Around 8 hours of class time and instructors: before/during/after each
• Graduate programs in MIS • One full day or in multiple sessions round
• Courses with focus on digital transformation
• Courses with focus on change management
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 Unleashing the value of ERPsim for students and professors
Students learn
Where to use ERPsim?
• how to manage a company in a competitive environment
Graduate program:
• how to use IT and ERP system to increase their EMBA, MBA, MSc, MAIS, MIS
company’s performance
• how SAP and ERP systems work Undergraduate programs:
BBA, BSCM, BID, BAcc, BCom
• how to perform and excel in a team
• how to use analytics to stay ahead of competition Entrepreneurship programs

• how various third-party business-intelligence Students preparing for TS410

software work Certification

Examples of courses
Professors get
Management Information Systems
• Increased motivation amongst students to
learn concepts at play (ERP, business Supply Chain Management
management, and more!) Accounting and Finance
• Better engagement in the form of Instructional assets and
support: ERP Integration and Configuration
participation and discussions
• Job Aids
• Higher satisfaction and changed attitude • Slide Decks
Business Analytics
towards the topic • Participant´s Guide
Entrepreneurship Management
• Instructional Videos
• Opportunity to grade students based on • Material for Instructors
the simulation outcome • Technical and In-person, remote, or hybrid in
Pedagogical Support synchronous or asynchronous classes
• Better feedback from students
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 Why use ERPsim Game?

Allied Market Research SAP has over SAP skills are in demand:
200 million 87% of global trading volume is

$123.41 B
Global ERP market was
subscribers in its generated by SAP customers
valued at US$ 50.57

$50.57 B
billion in 2021 and is cloud user base 87
forecast to reach US$
123.41 billion by 2030.
2021 2030
ü Immersive experience
According to Finances Online, ü Learning by doing
ü Support analytics in real-time
90% of companies seek ü Knowledge of business processes
consultants for ERP projects due ü Visualizations and validation of all decisions made
to their intricate nature and the
ü Globally available and accessible from everywhere
desire for a guiding hand to ensure
ü Available on both SAP GUI and Fiori launchpad enabled by S/4HANA
success; and about 78% of ü Different games and scenarios that are suited for different learning
companies utilize some form of outcomes and targeted for different groups of students.
ERP consulting services. ü Available in multiple languages: English, French, Spanish
and German (BETA)

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 Using ERPsim in Class APJ

Integrating Scenario
Manufacturing Manufacturing game Degree / Field of Study
Undergraduate, Graduate /
game in Accounting Information Systems
Accounting classes Learning Topics:
• Accounting Language
• How data is collected and controlled English
• Business processes and how they are
interconnected

Using ERPsim in Class

Matt Dyki uses ERPsim both in class and online using

Zoom and breakout rooms. For online sessions, it is Benefits & Impact
recommended to use simpler games, as students might
• Provides a practical understanding of
struggle to communicate effectively if sub-groups form
business processes
within the breakout rooms.
• Highlights interconnectivity of business
processes
DOs DON’Ts • Bridges the gap between theory and
practice
“This is why I find ERPsim so valuable because it • Familiarize yourself with • Don’t try and teach with • Prepares students for real-world
means my students can actually experience what ERPsim ERPsim for the first time scenarios
happens in a business.” • Practice running the game without ever playing it
• Consider administrative yourself
Matt Dyki, The University of Melbourne
assistance for your first
simulator class
Click here to learn more • Delegate admin tasks to
focus on teaching

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 Using ERPsim in Class Europe

Scenario
Leveraging ERPsim for Virtual Manufacturing (Introduction and Advanced) and Logistics game Degree / Field of Study
Learning Master of Science / Business
Administration

Learning Topics:
• Business Administration

Gianluca Mattarocci and his team adapted to COVID-19

challenges by transitioning traditional courses online, effectively
incorporating ERPsim into the virtual learning environment.

Using ERPsim in Class Benefits & Impact

• Increased Engagement
1 In the initial in-person session, students are
introduced to ERPsim, providing them with a • Inspired participants to pursue programs
foundational understanding of the ERP simulation. for SAP certification
“By using ERPsim the instructors and the students • Highlighted the importance and real-
learn a lot. ERPsim is not just useful to understand
how to run a company, it is also an instrument to
2 Following the introduction, all courses move online,
creating a dynamic learning environment.
world application of SAP

students to understand what else they can do”. A central online hub (Microsoft Teams) facilitates
Gianluca Mattarocci, University of Rome Tor 3 continuous interaction, question-sharing, idea exchange,
and instructor engagement.
Vergata, Athens University of Economics and
Business
Students are then guided to their respective online
4 channels for specialized instruction, allowing them
to delve deeper into their respective roles on their
Click here to learn more
teams.

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 Using ERPsim in Class NA

Scenario
Student Engagement through
Logistics game for undergraduate students and manufacturing
Logistics and Manufacturing game for graduate students
Games Degree / Field of Study
Undergraduate, Graduate
Learning Topics: (MBA/MSBA) / Management
Information Systems
• Concepts of enterprise resource systems
• How an organization operates
• Back-office business processes

Using ERPsim in Class

“One of the greatest features of the game — and Dr. Shahrasbi gets his students to practice with the Benefits & Impact
I think that ERPsim is one of the only simulations to 1 software introduces the game, the scenarios, and
how the interface works in the first sessions.
• Drives student engagement by offering a
have this feature and characteristic — is the team- hands-on approach
based nature of the simulation. [In] most business • The live aspect of the game helps
simulations that I have used [...] there is only one Depending on time availability, students get the
2
students visualize the consequences of
person making decisions and the system [gives] opportunity to practice the software in class playing three decisions
to five times.
them the feedback, and most of them are actually • Students learn the importance of
not really interactive”. communication and distributing the work
Gradually, the professor shows the available analytics in the team
Dr. Nasser Shahrasbi, Associate Professor at the
Lam Family College of Business at San Francisco
3 tools with the aim of teaching students the importance of
data and analytics.
State University
Students go from novices to confident players,

Click here to learn more

4 ultimately understanding how decisions in one
business department impact the entire organization.

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ERPsim Recruiting Day in
Central Michigan University

The ERPsim Invitational Competition 2023 ERPsim Competition

is a one-day-long business simulation that gives students the Highlights
opportunity to build professional skills, develop professional
networks, and have a little fun in the process.
In addition to students, the event invites various companies to
“The ERPsim Invitational Competition has
participate.
become a premiere event for the College of
Business Administration at Central Michigan
Event benefits:
University”.
For Students:
Chris Moberg, Stephen L. Tracy, Vishal Shah
ü Opportunity to secure internships and jobs by showcasing both hard
and soft skills such as ERP proficiency, leadership capabilities,
teamwork and communication skills
For Recruiters:
180 participant
ü First-hand chance to evaluate potential employees' technical
80 mentors representing
knowledge and interpersonal skills. 32 companies
ü Assist in finding well-rounded candidates suited to the available job
positions Click here to learn more
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 ERPsim competitions
International Final
Get ready to embark on an
Limited number of teams
exhilarating journey with ERPsim Lab. compete in elimination
rounds for the winner
This is the chance for professors and
their teams to gear up and showcase
their strategic process in the ERPsim Regional Competitions
competitions. The best three teams of
the regional events get
• Participation is FREE for UA full a ticket to compete in
members. the international event
• The ERPsim Competitions are offered
in a virtual format.
• Each team should have 3-5 students.
• Teams play 3 or 4 rounds of the National Competitions
Manufacturing Sustainability Game
Each UA full-member
scenario.
university is allowed to The road towards the
send one team to
Click here to learn more
regional event
international ERPsim
final

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 ERPsim Competitions 2025

International FINAL
ERPsim
Competition
June 5, 2025
North
America
April 4, 2025 EMEA
May 23, 2025 China
Mar 28, 2025

India
tbc Vietnam
tbc Philippines
tbc

Latin America
Regional competitions May 16, 2025 APJ Cup
Rest of APJ
Apr 11, 2025
tbc
National competitions

Numerous ERPsim competitions are available globally for you and your team.
To qualify for the ERPsim International Competition, your team must participate in a regional competition*.
Register Now!
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 Award digital badge for the top 3 teams!

ERPsim Challenges
Each event is designed to cater to different
levels of proficiency.
ERPsim Lab provides unique virtual events, offering Examples of Past Challenges:
students a chance to try various game scenarios
and test their skills against teams worldwide.
This competition is designed
specifically for students new to
Participants can engage in various formats of the
SAP or ERPsim, with ERPsim
ERPsim game, using their business knowledge to Lab providing all the necessary
make critical decisions for a virtual company. guidance to play the game.
For full or associate member of
SAP University Alliances
Rules:
• Participation is FREE (there is no cost to participate) For this competition, students
must have experience with SAP
• Your university must be full or associate (only
S/4HANA and the ERPsim
applicable to certain events) member of SAP
Manufacturing Game prior to
University Alliances
event.
• Each team can have a minimum of 3 students and a For full member of SAP
maximum of 5 students, plus one faculty coach. University Alliances.

Certain challenges can be executed asynchronously,

with the number of rounds subject to variation.

Learn more about upcoming events

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 Leap Year Challenge

The ERPsim Logistics Sustainability Challenge

was the most innovative challenge yet. Teams
utilized SAP S/4HANA to address the dynamic “ The competition, with an intensity surprising for an asynchronous game,
really went beyond what we expected. It shifted our focus towards
changes in their business environment on a weekly analytics, presenting us with a new scenario to explore and appreciate.
basis. Changes required strategic adaptations to their
We appreciate the unique ERPsim competition that brought together a
business strategies, compelling teams to prioritize diverse student group. The blend of ERPsim experienced and
sustainability improvements while boosting company analytically skilled students created a powerful mix.
valuation.
Olivier Caya
• 34 teams from 15 countries
Full Professor at the School of Management
• Played asynchronously over 5-weeks (5-rounds) with a University of Sherbrooke
weekly sync to exchange learnings and reveal leaderboard
• New brainteasers revealed every week

Click here to learn more

The game scenario uniquely As the weeks progressed, students had to

emphasized sustainable practices, adapt their strategies based on changes in
strategic thinking, and adaptability, carbon taxes, eco-friendly supplier
aiming to balance profit with availability, regional warehouse operations,
sustainability. and supplier manufacturing practices.
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 Using ERPsim for Research Projects
Project Requirements
• Must be for scientific research and experimental
development
Every year, dozens of academic projects make use of ERPsim for • Conducted under an experimental research setting
experimental research. where one or more independent variables are
manipulated and applied to one or more dependent
Over 900 ERPsim research related articles listed in Google variables to measure their effect on the latter
Scholar. • Approved by the university Research Ethics Board
(REB)
• Approved by the ERPsim Lab research committee
ERPsim has been an important research context
Click here to learn more for my conference, journal, and dissertation papers, and I
have manuscripts in progress using a combination of
survey, ERPsim performance, and SAP trace data. Conditions
Jeff Mullins, University of Arkansas • Research licenses cannot be used to conduct a
course.
Successful examples
• Additional conditions might be included upon project
approval.
Jeff Mullins Mark Hwang
University of Arkansas Central Michigan University

shows how using ERPsim demonstrated that ERPsim Apply

can significantly enhance is an effective learning tool For approval, contact [email protected] and provide:
students' knowledge of ERP for online asynchronous
systems and as a result also classes, as students • Research project description
ultimately improve their showed improved learning • REB certificate and number
attitude towards them. outcomes and felt more • Number of participants
satisfied after playing the • Expected date of the data collection
games.
Please allow up to one month for project approval and
class activation.

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 How to get started with ERPsim Check out the schools
that have adopted
ERPsim for teaching

1 Join the SAP University Alliances program Click here

2 Complete the ERPsim Certification Training

There are multiple options available to complete the ERPsim Certification Training, either self-paced
online or in-person. Discover them here.

3 Make hosting arrangements with a University Competence Centers (UCC)

In order to use ERPsim, you must first establish a hosting arrangement with one of the following
centers here.

4 Prepare and deliver your course

• Get familiar with the pedagogical content
ERPsim provides an extensive range of pedagogical resources, accessible via the Learning Portal.
• Request system access from your UCC
• Purchase the simulation license
A license based on the number of students is required to play the Manufacturing, the Logistics,
and/or the Maple games. Review the pricing and conditions here.

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 Helpful Resources

Explore ERPsim Simulation

Get started

Check feedback about ERPsim Game from different faculties

How to use ERPsim Game for Research

Follow and connect with ERPsim Lab on LinkedIn

Follow events from ERPsim Lab

Learning by Gaming Post

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 Have fun exploring!
Your SAP University Alliances team
Email: [email protected]

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© 2025 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved. See Legal Notice on www.sap.com/legal-notice for use terms, disclaimers, disclosures, or restrictions related to this material.