The Computerized Beer Game:

We have recently developed a computerized version of the traditional Beer Game, first developed in the 1960`s at MIT. The computerized game is played under the Windows operating environment, with much more flexibility and many more options than are possible in the traditional game played on a board. The main screen of the game is displayed below:



In this computerized game, parameters such as lead times and demand distributions can be set by the instructor. Also, one stage in the supply chain is managed by the student, and the computer manages the remaining stages using policies selected by the instructor. While playing, students can check their progress using various graphs and reports.

We have found that using the Computerized Beer Game, students devote less time to the mechanics of the game, and more time developing effective supply chain management policies. Also, the many game options allow instructors to more easily teach such important supply chain concepts as the value of centralization, the value of decreasing cycle times, and the bullwhip effect.