Beer Distribution Game – Supply Chain Simulator

The Beer Distribution Game is a simulation that demonstrates supply chain dynamics and the 'bullwhip effect', where small fluctuations in demand at the retail level cause larger fluctuations further up the supply chain.

You manage a supply chain by purchasing raw materials, scheduling production, and delivering orders to customers while managing your cash flow and inventory costs.

The goal is to minimize total costs (holding costs and backlog costs) while maintaining a high service level and a healthy cash flow.

It refers to the phenomenon where order variability increases as one moves up the supply chain, often caused by lack of communication and time delays in information and material flow.