In ERPsim, intense competition is common, as demonstrated by the ERP Simulation Finnish National Championship held for the second time.
Nineteen teams, half composed of students and half representing the business world, competed in a SAP Fiori-based ERP simulation developed by ERPSim Lab. The competitive format focused on maximizing the valuation of teams’ companies, with a separate category for CO2 emissions relative to sales.
ERPsim Finnish Championships are ON 🚀 Who will become the Champions? 🏆#ERPsim #SAPFinug #SAP
— SAP Finug (@SAPFinug) April 25, 2024
20 Teams, 3 great Partners and @Luukasraat hosting!
Thank you Pearl Finland, @AccentureFI & @DeloitteFinland!
Co-hosting the Games with @centriaamk & @ERPsim Lab - HEC Montréal. pic.twitter.com/xroDAfuYSP
Before lunch, attendees heard updates and insights from SAP Finland’s Robert Wölker regarding the significance of artificial intelligence in future enterprise resource planning in SAP. He highlighted how seemingly minor technical advancements can significantly boost productivity. Of the companies currently developing extensive language models, 60% will abandon development, while those able to continue development and embed its results directly into software are driving the technological revolution.
In addition to SAP Finland, event partners took the stage to share their current status and future visions. The audience, predominantly students contemplating their future employers, found the presentations of Pearl Finland, Accenture, and Deloitte convincing. Thanks were extended to these partners for enabling the event and for their insightful contributions. Although corporate teams didn’t secure podium positions this time, perhaps the victorious students could offer hints to those responsible for recruitment.
Great highlights from @SAPFinland, Pearl Finland, @AccentureFI & @DeloitteFinland to get the bright minds of ERPSim Finnish Championship contestants minds brewing ☕️ Next maybe the games begin! #ERPSim #smkisat pic.twitter.com/7zBuFnezkT
— SAP Finug (@SAPFinug) April 25, 2024
In the competition rounds, teams played three full rounds within the game, with opportunities for functional changes between rounds. Decision-making, from investments to production and from marketing to financing, was paramount, simulating real-life tasks in ERP systems. Throughout the rounds and intense decision-making processes, each team had to carefully consider its strategy, with some making adjustments on the fly while others adhered strongly to their original plans. Eventually, one strategy stood out clearly from the rest.
Once again, victory belonged to the students. The championship was decided on the brink, with JAMK Technology, adhering strongly to its pre-defined strategy, clinching the win. They achieved a company valuation exceeding €150M, the only team to do so. Furthermore, they secured another category win by achieving the lowest CO2 emissions per unit sold. In these competitions, strong results, company valuation, and sustainable production went hand in hand.
Centria Business claimed second place with a respectable valuation of €116M, while JAMK Business, alongside JAMK Technology and Centria Business, secured a podium finish with a bronze medal. The dominance of student teams was evident this year, reaffirming that the future lies with the young talents. Congratulations to the winners.
The victory celebrations took place immediately after the competition at Clarion’s impressive venue on the 16th floor. The designated room quickly filled with the popping of champagne corks and lively networking. The live music by Duo Della & Aarni was the perfect ending to the event.
The second edition of the event received high praise from participants, with SAP Finug’s Chairman Kari Halmela noting the successful combination of competitive gaming and networking. Praise poured in from both competitors and partners, emphasizing the importance of events that bring together the business world and students. The opportunity to discover future talents is greatly facilitated when anyone can showcase their abilities through competition. The format of the competition is broad enough to require expertise in collaboration and understanding the whole picture. Which company wouldn’t want young, skilled professionals who excel in these areas?
Thanks to all participants and sponsoring partners – see you again next year in the same spirit!
