EndGame has just hit a huge milestone with GemaSim, the cutting-edge team training tool. GemaSim puts teams through high-pressure simulations to boost their communication and collaboration skills. The big news? GemaSim has moved to the cloud, meaning the software is now more accessible than ever, making it a game-changer for training teams in all kinds of settings, from corporate offices to remote workspaces.

The genesis of GemaSim

GemaSim, originally developed by founders Werner and Andrea Naef in 2003, was designed as a desktop application aimed at enhancing team collaboration and communication under high-pressure scenarios. This simulation-based training tool was initially created as an add-on to PCM (Process Communication Model®) for any team situation, leveraging the principles of flight simulation training.The core idea was simple yet effective: two networked computers, each displaying different aspects of a task, requiring team members to communicate effectively to complete their objectives.

An example of this in real life is GemaSim client, the NSW Rail Corporation, which manages 4,500 train movements daily, with each movement spanning the entire metropolitan area from one end of Sydney to the other. In their Operations Centre, 18 controllers coordinated all these movements 24/7 in three shifts. Any derailment, delay, or incident on any line could instantly result in a chain of consequences that must be addressed. NSW RailCorp used GemaSim for over five years to train and retrain those controllers.

Other organisations that use GemaSim include the USAF, NATO Europe, Middlemore Hospital, Swiss Federal Rail Corporation (SBB), Swiss Air Force, Swiss Air Ambulance organisation, and many others.

While GemaSim has proved its worth in various high-stakes environments, the limitations of its initial desktop format hindered its broader adoption. The need for outdated hardware and the complexities of setting up the software posed significant barriers.

EndGame’s GemaSim project lead, Andrew Harrison, explained: "Previously, it required ancient laptops, making it very hard to onboard new users. We essentially rebuilt what they had in the cloud, making it more accessible and eliminating the need for downloads or specific hardware."

Replatforming to the cloud

The recent replatforming of GemaSim to a cloud-based system represents a pivotal advancement. This shift not only modernises the software but also dramatically expands its potential user base. It allows GemaSim to be run on a variety of devices within any work environment, facilitating remote training sessions, a crucial feature in today's increasingly virtual world.

"The dynamic is completely different in remote communication, but we see opportunities to expand the software to better serve remote teams," Andrew noted.

With this enhanced accessibility, GemaSim's application can extend far beyond its traditional military use. "Making GemaSim cheaper to run and more accessible opens it up to corporate environments. Anywhere teamwork is crucial, GemaSim can make a significant impact," Andrew emphasised.

Content and innovation

Alongside the technical upgrades, GemaSim's content has also been enriched. Andrea, one of the founders, has developed a suite of new missions, adding depth and variety to the training scenarios. This content update ensures that the simulations remain engaging and relevant to various training needs.

EndGame's commitment to innovation is evident in their recent Callaghan Innovation grant, which funded the exploration of machine learning applications within GemaSim. This research aims to develop automated behaviour analysis, potentially reducing the need for human trainers and further scaling the software's reach.

Looking ahead

As GemaSim continues to evolve, its impact on training and development in both military and corporate sectors is poised to grow. The successful replatforming to the cloud is just the beginning of the vision for a more accessible, effective, and innovative training tool.

“Moving to a cloud-based solution makes the tool extremely versatile. Organisations can use it to train their teams, whether they are remote or gathered in a classroom setting. We love the possibility to quickly adapt or add new missions. Depending on clients’ needs, parameters can be adjusted, enabling us to customise GemaSim accordingly. It also opens up opportunities to use machine learning to analyse behaviours and eventually produce AI-driven individual and team reports, highlighting the strengths and development opportunities of teams and leaders,” said Andrea.

"We believe this modernisation will expand the market significantly," Andrew concluded. "GemaSim is here for good, improving team efficiency and communication in diverse settings."

Do you have a technical transformation our experienced team can help you with? Or are you keen to hear more about how GemaSim can support your team training? Drop an email to hello@end-game.com, we'd love to meet for a coffee.