At present, no gamification implementation or framework exists in SAP ME product.
The questions that need to be brainstormed are such as, What could be a possible use of introducing such a framework in SAP ME? What would be the best implementation of Gamification in SAP ME?
The below post is a basic thought on what and how can be done to introduce Gamification in ME, either in Production or for Training purposes.
The underlying idea is to introduce a new Gamification framework to SAP ME product. Using this framework, manufacturers can implement the game mechanics to some use cases in the ME as per their requirement. The objective is to improve the user engagement, to promote healthy competition among-st colleagues and to make training more effective. Some of the possible areas in manufacturing where this idea could have a possible implementation are the following:
- - Motivating the shop floor colleagues.
- - Increase operational efficiency.
- - Manage change management.
- - Knowledge building / Training colleagues.
- - Quality initiatives.
These are few high level usages which one can implement on the top of this framework and it would be flexible to build other plant level initiatives too.
One of the possible ways to achieve this objective is to have an option in the System Rule maintenance activity of SAP ME. The user needs to specify if the gamification Mode is ON or OFF. If the Gamification mode is ON, then the user needs to specify if the mode is Production or Training.
SAP ME GAMIFICATION IN PRODUCTION MODE
If the Gamification mode is set to ON and Production, all the activities are recorded in the additional columns in database tables which are specific to gamification framework. These columns will keep track of Gamification scores/points and help in graphical display of the same.
As an example, consider the throughput of an operator using the Operation – POD in ME. The operator finishes the operations and logs NC for non-conformance. The task is repetitive and monotonous. We can use game mechanics to convert the operators to players to engage them more and make work more fun.
As the operator finishes operations, the operator can be awarded points on the basis of time he has taken to complete the operations or on how many operations he has completed in a day. This can be displayed on the POD as a progress bar. Based on the number of points obtained by an operator, the operator can be awarded different levels of expertise such as novice, expert, legend etc. and the levels can be displayed on the POD with help of stars etc., and also the operator can receive awards for reaching certain levels. For completing difficult operations successfully or for completing many operations in a small time period, the operators can be awarded bonus points.
Further, this same principle can be used in case of approval workflow to encourage timely approvals and prevent backlogs and on many other activities within SAP ME product.
SAP ME GAMIFICATION IN TRAINING MODE
In another case, if the Gamification mode is set to ON and Training, all the activities are recorded in the separate database which is especially for training purposes. This database can be refreshed from live production database to give the trainees a more real production floor experience. The similar graphics as in earlier case will be displayed along with the point system. Such application or framework will help in more effective real experience training. Also, based on the point system, the supervisor and trainees will be able to identify areas of improvement for individual trainees. This framework will also enable the trainees to quickly learn ME and start contribution in production is a shorter span of time without disturbing the actual production data.
If the Gamification mode is set to OFF, then the SAP ME will work as usual without any visual display of points or graphic bars etc.
Typically gamification applies to non-game applications and processes, in order to encourage people to adopt them, or to influence how they are used. Gamification works by making technology more engaging, by encouraging users to engage in desired behaviors, by showing a path to mastery and autonomy, by helping to solve problems and not being a distraction, and by taking advantage of humans' psychological predisposition to engage in gaming. The technique can encourage people to perform chores that they ordinarily consider boring, such as completing surveys, shopping, filling out tax forms, or training etc.
Available data from gamified websites, applications, and processes indicate potential improvements in areas like user engagement, ROI, data quality, timeliness, or learning.
Implementing gamification framework in SAP ME will help utilize the already proven advantages of gamification by the customers. It will help in making training more engaging and effective. Also, by promoting healthy competition among the colleagues and rewarding better using this framework will boost the employee morale. Such a framework can also be used to improve the productivity and learning via training.
