The game is typically played as a board game however, computer versions are available. In the board game, chips or coins, each representing a case of beer, are passed through the distribution chain. One or two people manage each facility. Take a look at the original boards in Professor Sterman's Article, Flight Simulators for Management Education , You will see that there are delay boxes between the positions on the board.
Players often forget to move beer or orders from one delay to another in the course of play.
Once out of step, it is difficult to get the teams back on track. In addition, the Steps of the game are not always clear to the players. Learning Landscapes has redesigned the board to improve play. These wheels automatically move product and orders through the system. They require only one turn by the players during each round.