System and Method for Demonstrating Operations at a Distribution Center

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/138,479, filed on Apr. 24, 2023. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

This document generally describes devices, systems, and methods related to demonstrating operations at a distribution center, such as by gamifying the distribution operations.

Distribution centers, warehouses, or other types of storage facilities can be used in supply chains to facilitate movement and storage of items. Various processes can be performed in a distribution center as distribution operations in order to move the items around the distribution center. For example, processes can be performed to unload items from trucks when the items arrive at the distribution center. Processes can be performed to move the items to storage locations in the distribution center after being unloaded from the trucks. Processes can be performed to retrieve one or more of the items from storage when the one or more items are ready to be shipped/delivered to a customer. Processes can also be performed to prepare the retrieved items for outbound shipment. Other processes can also be performed as part of the distribution operations in the distribution center.

The distribution operations can be performed based on decisions made by employees and workers in and out of the distribution center. The decisions made by such employees and workers can be used to complete the distribution operations using warehouse equipment, including but not limited to forklifts, robots, and other vehicles (autonomous, semi-autonomous, non-autonomous). The distribution operations may also be performed by autonomous and/or semi-autonomous vehicles in the distribution center. The decision made by one employee or human worker in and out of the distribution center may affect the decision of another employee or human worker. Thus, a coordination between decisions made by different employees and human workers may be important in optimizing or improving the operations at the distribution center.

The document generally describes systems, methods, and technology for demonstrating operations in a distribution center. More specifically, the document provides interactive gaming techniques that offer training and education to users in the distribution center, such as employees and field workers, about optimal distribution operations. The disclosed system can include a pre-marked surface that resembles a game board. The pre-marked surface can be provided in various forms. For example, the pre-marked surface can be provided on a surface of a board or plate. Alternatively, the pre-marked surface can be provided at a tabletop or a surface of other suitable devices. The pre-marked surface can represent a workflow in a distribution center, warehouse, or other type of storage facility. The pre-marked surface can also include a plurality of zones (e.g., sub-sections) that represent sub-processes or sub-workflows in the distribution center that make up the entire workflow. The disclosed system can also include instruction instruments, such as cards, that, when selected by users at the pre-marked surface, provide instructions and/or prompts indicating actions that the users can take to demonstrate and/or mimic distribution operations in the distribution center. The disclosed system may also include modular pieces, such as stackable bricks (e.g., Lego® bricks), that represent various warehouse components, such as items (e.g., goods), pallets, warehouse or distribution center equipment (e.g., material handling equipment), cages, cases, etc. The users can perform actions with the modular pieces, based on the selected instruction instrument(s).

Multiple users take part in performing operations in the workflow of the distribution center that is represented by the pre-marked surface. As a result, the users can simulate task performance and decision-making at each process, sub-process, and/or sub-workflow of the workflow. For example, each zone of the pre-marked surface can be assigned at least one user, who is tasked with performing operations that correspond to processes/workflows performed in that zone in an actual distribution center. For example, the zones can represent inbound, warehousing or storing, picking, packing, and outbound stages of the workflow in the actual distribution center. The users can perform tasks using the modular pieces in each of the zones, such as building or taking apart pallets of items, transporting items or pallets on conveyor belts, delivering pallets to shipment areas for various stores, etc., to achieve an instruction, mission, or goal that may be indicated on a card or other instruction instrument that is selected by at least one of the users. However, actions taken can also be based on the users' own decisions and judgment. The actions of each user also can impact actions of other users and/or downstream sub-processes and/or sub-workflows of the distribution center's workflow. Throughout the demonstration of the workflow as described above and herein, the users can identify various issues that may occur in real-world distribution operations based on the actions they take, and learn how to resolve those issues (e.g., bottlenecks, bullwhip effect of sub-optimal inventory management, operational constraints, increasing outputs through level scheduling workloads). As a result, the users can learn how to efficiently handle operations in a distribution center workflow without having to experience or test the operations at an actual, real-world distribution center.

One or more embodiments described herein can include a system for demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center. The system includes a pre-marked surface representing a workflow for the distribution center, the pre-marked surface defining a plurality of sections that represent the distribution operations at the distribution center and are configured to be assigned to a plurality of users who demonstrate the distribution operations; a plurality of instruction instruments configured to be randomly selected by the plurality of users, each instruction instrument being configured to initiate one of the plurality of users to perform an action at one of the plurality of sections that is assigned to the one of the plurality of users, the action being configured to cause another of the plurality of users to take an action at another of the plurality of sections; and a plurality of modular pieces representing components at the distribution center and configured to, based on selection of the plurality of instruction instruments, be interlocked with each other at the plurality of sections and delivered across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface.

In some implementations, the embodiments described herein can optionally include one or more of the following features. The plurality of instruction instruments include a plurality of cards providing instructions configured to initiate the plurality of users to perform actions at the plurality of sections. The plurality of instruction instruments include a die. The plurality of users include first, second, third, fourth, and fifth users, and the plurality of sections includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sections that are assigned to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth users respectively. The plurality of users include a sixth user, and the interlocked modular pieces are assigned to the sixth user and delivered, by the sixth user, to each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sections. The first section corresponds to an inbound department at the distribution center, the second section corresponds to a storing department at the distribution center, the third section corresponds to a picking department at the distribution center, the fourth section corresponds to a packing department at the distribution center, and the fifth section corresponds to an outbound department at the distribution center. The first section includes visual elements that depict: (i) at least one store, (ii) an automated conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces and extend across at least the first section and the second section, (iii) a manual dock, and (iv) a manual dock pallet staging area. The plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the first user at the first section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the manual dock depicted on the pre-marked surface. The plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the first user at the first section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the automated conveyor belt depicted on the pre-marked surface. The second section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the first section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the second section to the third section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) non-conveyable aisles, and (iii) conveyable aisles. The plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the second user at the second section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the non-conveyable aisles depicted on the pre-marked surface. The plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the second user at the second section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the conveyable aisles depicted on the pre-marked surface. The third section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the second section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the third section to the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) a full pallet staging area, (iii) a carton air staging area, and (iv) a re-palletization line. The plurality of instruction instruments includes a die configured to be rolled, by the third user at the third section, to determine a zone amongst a plurality of zones at the re-palletization line depicted on the pre-marked surface, the zone being configured to allow the third user to perform at least one repalletization action with the plurality of modular pieces. The fourth section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the third section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section to a packing area depicted in the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) break pack aisles, and (iii) the packing area. The packing area is configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces that are ready to be transported to a designated store of a plurality of stores for receiving inventory, the inventory being represented by the plurality of modular pieces. The packing area includes a plurality of mods. Each of the plurality of mods is assigned to a store amongst the plurality of stores. The plurality of instruction instruments include: a first subset of cards providing instructions, to the fourth user at the fourth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including breakpacking actions; and a second subset of cards providing instructions, to the fourth user at the fourth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that include packing actions. The plurality of instruction instruments further includes a die configured to be rolled, by the fourth user at the fourth section, to determine a zone depicted in the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, the zone being configured to allow the fourth user to perform the actions with the plurality of modular pieces. The plurality of modular pieces are stackable bricks, and the action performed by the one of the plurality of users includes stacking the bricks according to instructions provided by an instruction instrument amongst the plurality of instruction instruments that is randomly selected by the one of the plurality of users. The plurality of modular pieces are different colors and different sizes. The different colors and the different sizes indicate at least one of units of inventory at the distribution center, quantity of the inventory at the distribution center, size of the inventory at the distribution center, a store, type of supplies used at the distribution center as part of the workflow, or type of the inventory at the distribution center. The components at the distribution center represented by the plurality of modular pieces include at least one of inventory, pallets, or warehouse equipment.

The devices, system, and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, the disclosed techniques provide real-time simulation of real-world workflows and operations in distribution centers, which allows users to identify issues such as waste in every stage of the workflows and operations without actually having to experience such issues in an actual, real-world distribution center. The waste can include defects, over production, waiting, not utilizing talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and/or excess processing. The disclosed techniques gamify the distribution center workflow and operations to help users decide how to best execute actions, solve problems, and remove constraints in a team environment in the distribution center and at various stages at the distribution center. The disclosed techniques therefore recreate realistic scenarios that may arise in the distribution center and allow for the users to act in these scenarios in a game-like environment. Using the disclosed system, for example, users can identify, recognize, and learn appropriate corrections throughout the workflow and operations of the distribution center. The users can then apply these corrections to the real-world workflows and operations in the real-world distribution center to resolve or reduce issues/bottlenecks, reduce waste, and optimize overall operations. Furthermore, the disclosed system allows real-world workflows to be mapped to a pre-marked surface, such as a game board, so that any organization or entity that engages in distribution operations can use the pre-marked surface to identify issues in their operations and ways to resolve those issues.

As another example, the disclosed techniques can be implemented in a computer-based system such that the pre-marked surface, instruction instruments, and modular pieces can be provided in electronic format to users that are physically remote from each other. The disclosed system can be presented in graphical user interface (GUI) displays at computing devices of the users and can allow for the users to engage in simulating and testing workflows and processes as described herein. The users can work together to identify and resolve issues that may arise in distribution centers across the world using the computer-implemented version of the disclosed techniques.

Further, the use of bricks and cards provides a tangible and manual interface, allowing users to see physical and system barriers that impede performance, create safety risks, and increase labor utilization.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

This document generally relates to systems, methods, and techniques for demonstrating operations in a distribution center. The disclosed techniques gamify the operations in the distribution center to help users, such as workers associated with the distribution center, identify issues, such as inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste, in distribution operations, determine solutions, and implement those solutions in real life in the distribution center. In other words, the disclosed techniques can be used to teach users, whether working alone or in teams, how to recognize issues that may disrupt continuous flow of workflows and/or processes through the distribution center. The users can learn to problem solve, thereby improving performance and overall operations in the distribution center. The disclosed techniques may also combine various schools of thought, including Heijunka (which can be used to teach and improve level scheduling for operations planning), Bullwhip Effect (which can be used to teach working in silos during execution of the operations), and Theory of Constraints (which can be used for problem solving to optimize efficiency in performing the operations).

1 FIG. 11 FIG. 100 101 101 102 102 102 102 102 101 Referring to the figures,is a conceptual diagram of a systemfor demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center. The distribution centercan be represented or otherwise depicted by a pre-marked surface. The pre-marked surfacecan be a board, such as a game board. In some implementations, the pre-marked surfacecan represent or depict a particular type of distribution center. For example, refer to, in which a pre-marked surface represents an automated distribution center. The pre-marked surfacecan represent or depict a generic distribution center. The pre-marked surfacecan additionally or alternatively represent or depict the particular distribution center.

101 101 The distribution centercan be any type of distribution center, warehouse, or storage facility. The distribution centercan be part of a network of distribution centers, fulfillment systems, and/or stores.

102 101 106 101 106 101 101 102 101 106 106 101 106 The pre-marked surfacecan be configured to represent a workflow for the distribution center(e.g., an entire lifecycle of a distribution center, from inbound to outbound), and can be used by a plurality of usersA-N to demonstrate distribution operations in the distribution centerand train the plurality of usersA-N about how to optimize operations in the distribution centerto reduce waste or other issues that may arise in real-world scenarios at the distribution center. As a result, the pre-marked surfacecan be used to gamify real-world operations at the distribution centeras a learning tool for the usersA-N. The usersA-N can be employees and/or human workers (e.g., field workers) who work in and out of the distribution center. For example, one or more of the usersA-N can include Mezzanine Operators, Production Controllers (PCs), Operations Managers (OMs), Senior Operations Managers (SOMs), and/or Operations Directors (ODs). A Mezzanine Operator is a person that works on an elevated platform aside moving conveyance and trouble shoots blockages, jams, and communicate said information to their leaders. A Production Controller is a leader assigned to create the final plans that maximize volume process for a shift. An Operations Manager is a department level leader that is responsible for Team Member performance. A Senior Operations Manager is a leader responsible for a shift's performance throughout a building. An Operations Director is a leader that provides strategic direction and is accountable for total performance for a shift (days/nights), for a building.

100 114 114 106 102 101 114 108 114 110 110 The systemcan also include instruction instrumentsA-N. The instruction instrumentsA-N can be selected (e.g., randomly selected) by one or more of the usersA-N while playing a game at the pre-marked surfacefor demonstrating the distribution operations of the distribution center. The instruction instrumentsA-N can include one or more sets of cardsA-N. The instruction instrumentsA-N can additionally or alternatively include one or more dieA-N. The dieA, for example, can be a four-sided die. In some implementations, other types of die may also be used.

108 106 106 101 102 106 106 108 102 101 106 100 The cardsA-N can each include instructions for performing, by at least one of the usersA-N, actions during the game. Each of the actions performed by the usersA-N can impact the workflow for the distribution centerthat is represented by the pre-marked surface. The actions performed by the usersA-N can also impact actions and decisions made by at least one other user amongst the usersA-N during the game. The cardsA-N can be used to inject randomness into the workflow represented by the pre-marked surface, which can mimic real-world scenarios that may arise or have arisen in the distribution centeror other distribution centers. Therefore, the usersA-N can learn how to address those real-world scenarios using the system.

100 112 101 112 112 101 112 101 The systemcan also include a plurality of modular piecesA-N that represent different components in the distribution center. For example, the modular piecesA-N can represent items, other types of inventory or goods, pallets, cages, cases, or other warehouse/distribution center equipment. The modular piecesA-N can have different sizes, colors, shapes, or other visual indicia. The different sizes, colors, shapes, or other visual indicia can be used to differentiate what inventory or other objects in the distribution centerthat the modular piecesA-N are intended to represent. The different sizes, colors, shapes, or other visual indicia may also be used to indicate different units, quantities, etc. associated with different type of inventory or objects in the distribution center.

112 101 102 112 106 102 101 106 108 The modular piecesA-N can, in some implementations, be bricks or other objects that can be stacked on top of each other to create a group of items or other type of inventory that moves throughout the workflow of the distribution centerthat is represented and depicted by the pre-marked surface. For example, at least one of the modular piecesA-N can be moved, by one or more of the usersA-N, across the pre-marked surfacein the workflow for the distribution centerbased at least in part on the actions performed by the usersA-N responsive to selecting at least one of the instruction instrumentsA-N during the gameplay.

102 102 104 101 101 104 101 104 102 102 101 Referring back to the pre-marked surface, the pre-marked surfacecan be segmented into zonesA-N, where each zone represents a zone in the distribution centerat which certain sub-processes and/or sub-workflows are performed in the workflow of the distribution center. In some implementations, each of the zonesA-N can represent sub-processes and/or sub-workflows that are performed in the distribution center. Although 5 zonesA-N are represented at the pre-marked surface, additional or fewer zones can also be represented at the pre-marked surface, which can further be based on the type of distribution center.

102 104 101 101 104 104 101 101 104 104 101 104 104 101 104 104 101 104 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. As an illustrative example of the pre-marked surface, the zoneA can represent an inbound zone in the distribution center, in which sub-processes are performed to unload items, pallets, or other goods from delivery trucks and prepare those items to be routed into the distribution centerfor storage. Refer tofor further discussion about the zoneA. The zoneB can represent a storing zone in the distribution center, in which sub-processes are performed for storing, warehousing, or otherwise moving the inbound items, pallets, or other goods around the distribution center. Refer tofor further discussion about the zoneB. The zoneC can represent a picking zone in the distribution center, in which sub-processes are performed for depalletization, repalletization, and/or picking of items to be shipped/delivered to customers (e.g., stores). Refer tofor further discussion about the zoneC. The zoneD can represent a packing zone in the distribution center, in which sub-processes are performed for packing the picked items to be shipped/delivered to customers. Refer tofor further discussion about the zoneD. The zoneE can represent an outbound zone in the distribution center, in which sub-processes are performed to prepare and ship the packed items to customers. Refer tofor further discussion about the zoneE.

101 101 100 106 106 106 108 106 106 106 101 106 100 101 In some implementations, the pre-marked surface can be approximately 17 feet long. Depending on a size of the distribution center, a type of the distribution center, or other distribution center characteristics, 8-11 users can engage in gameplay using the system. The usersA-N can engage in gameplay over 4 rounds that build on learnings and actions in the previous round or rounds. In some illustrative examples, each round can be approximately 15 minutes long. Any mistakes made by one of the usersA-N and/or defects injected into the workflow out of randomness (e.g., by the userA selecting a card amongst the cardsA-N that instructs the userA to add a defect to the workflow) can be passed on to a next user amongst the usersA-N to deal with. For example, the next user may have a penalty (e.g., approximately a 30 second penalty) in which they cannot perform other tasks in their respective zone for a duration of the penalty. The next user may additionally or alternatively have to stop their current tasks to cure the defect that was passed to them. The next user may additionally or alternatively pass the defect on to another user. In so doing, the usersA-N can experience unexpected scenarios in the workflow that mimic real-world scenarios at the distribution center. The usersA-N can learn how to address these types of scenarios using the systemand without having to experience these scenarios in real-world practice at the distribution center.

106 106 106 101 9 10 FIGS.- The performance of the usersA-N during each round can be captured in metrics such as scores and/or downtime charts. These metrics can then be assessed by the usersA-N and/or a computing system to determine ways in which the usersA-N can improve their actions in real-world implementation of the workflow of the distribution center. Refer tofor further discussion.

1 FIG. 106 114 104 120 106 108 108 106 110 104 106 112 122 112 104 101 101 112 102 104 106 120 122 106 114 Still referring to, to start gameplay (e.g., in any round of gameplay described herein), the userA can select at least one of the instruction instrumentsA-N at their assigned zoneA (block A,). For example, the userA can randomly select one of the cardsA-N, or select one of the cardsA-N that are stacked in a randomized order. In some implementations, the userA may role at least one of the dieA-N. At the assigned zoneA, the userA can then perform at least one action with at least one of the modular piecesA-N based on the selected instruction instrument (block B,). Performing the at least one action can include moving the modular piecesA-N around the zoneA to mimic unloading items off a delivery truck in the distribution centerand preparing the unloaded items for transport/storage inside the distribution center. Part of performing the at least one action can include moving the at least one of the modular piecesA-N to the next zone represented at the pre-marked surface, such as the zoneB. The userA can then continue to perform blocks A-B,-, until a current round of gameplay ends (e.g., a timer for the current round ends, a predetermined amount of time for the current round expires, the userA runs out of instruction instrumentsA-N to select from, etc.).

106 104 112 104 106 114 104 120 112 122 112 104 101 112 102 104 106 120 122 112 106 104 106 104 106 106 120 122 The userB can receive, from the zoneA, the at least one of the modular piecesA-N at their assigned zone, zoneB. The userB can then select at least one of the instruction instrumentsA-N at their assigned zoneB (block A,) and then perform at least one action with at least one of the modular piecesA-N based on the selected instruction instrument (block B,). Performing the at least one action can include moving the modular piecesA-N to storage locations represented at the zoneB to mimic storing the items in the distribution center. Part of performing the at least one action can include moving the at least one of the modular piecesA-N to the next zone represented at the pre-marked surface, such as the zoneC. The userB can then continue to perform blocks A-B,-, with any other modular piecesA-N that are moved to the userB's zoneB as a result of actions performed by the userA at their zoneA. Similarly to the userA, the userB continues to perform blocks A-B,-, until the current round of gameplay ends.

106 104 112 104 106 114 104 120 112 122 112 104 112 102 104 106 120 122 112 106 106 106 104 106 106 120 122 The userC can receive, from the zoneB, the at least one of the modular piecesA-N at their assigned zone, zoneC. The userC can then select at least one of the instruction instrumentsA-N at their assigned zoneC (block A,) and then perform at least one action with at least one of the modular piecesA-N based on the selected instruction instrument (block B,). Performing the at least one action can include moving one or more of the modular piecesA-N to designated locations in the zoneC to mimic picking items for delivery to particular customers (e.g., stores). Part of performing the at least one action can include moving the at least one of the modular piecesA-N to the next zone represented at the pre-marked surface, such as the zoneD. The userC can then continue to perform blocks A-B,-, with any other modular piecesA-N that are moved to the userC's zoneC as a result of actions performed by the userB at their zoneB. Similarly to the usersA-B, the userC continues to perform blocks A-B,-, until the current round of gameplay ends.

106 104 112 104 106 114 104 120 112 122 112 104 112 112 102 104 106 120 122 112 106 106 106 104 106 106 120 122 The userD can receive, from the zoneC, the at least one of the modular piecesA-N at their assigned zone, zoneD. The userD can then select at least one of the instruction instrumentsA-N at their assigned zoneD (block A,) and then perform at least one action with at least one of the modular piecesA-N based on the selected instruction instrument (block B,). The at least one action can include preparing the modular piecesA-N in one or more locations represented in the zoneD, such as stacking one or more of the modular piecesA-N, to mimic packing the items for shipment to respective customers (e.g., stores). Part of performing the at least one action can include moving the at least one of the modular piecesA-N to the next zone represented at the pre-marked surface, such as the zoneE. The userD can then continue to perform blocks A-B,-, with any other modular piecesA-N that are moved to the userD's zoneD as a result of actions performed by the userC at their zoneC. Similarly to the usersA-C, the userD continues to perform blocks A-B,-, until the current round of gameplay ends.

106 112 104 106 114 104 120 112 122 112 104 106 120 122 112 106 106 106 104 106 120 122 The userN can receive, from an adjacent previous zone or any of the previous zones, the at least one of the modular piecesA-N at their assigned zone, zoneE. The userN can then select at least one of the instruction instrumentsA-N at their assigned zoneE (block A,) and then perform at least one action with at least one of the modular piecesA-N based on the selected instruction instrument (block B,). The at least one action can include moving the modular piecesA-N to one or more locations in the zoneE that correspond to the respective customers to mimic preparing the items for outbound shipment to the respective customers. The userN can continue to perform blocks A-B,-, with any other modular piecesA-N that are moved to the userN's zoneE as a result of actions performed by the userD at their zoneD. Similarly to the other users, the userN continues to perform blocks A-B,-, until the current round of gameplay ends.

106 104 114 106 114 In some implementations, the usersA-N at one or more of the zonesA-E can receive random instructions (e.g., from other users, from selection of one or more of the instruction instrumentsA-N). One or more of the usersA-N can additionally or alternatively perform actions based on their own judgement and based on actions performed by other users, rather than from selecting one or more of the instruction instrumentsA-N described herein.

2 FIG. 1 FIG. 200 200 104 102 200 is a first example sectionof a pre-marked surface for demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center. The sectioncan be the same as or similar to the zoneA of the pre-marked surfacedescribed in. The sectioncan represent a zone in the distribution center where inbound tasks are performed. Such inbound tasks can include, for example, unloading items or other goods from delivery trucks, preparing the unloaded items for transport and/or storage in the distribution center, and/or moving the unloaded items onto conveyor belts to then be transported and stored in the distribution center.

200 200 210 212 214 216 218 220 224 228 226 234 234 234 236 238 238 238 240 The sectioncan include visual representations of various distribution center components that may be used to perform inbound tasks. The illustrative example sectionincludes components such as storesA-N, a conveyor belt, an automated receiving technology (ART) system, a breakpack section, a full case section, a process board, empty pallets, a key, a manual dock areafor receiving full case non-conveyable itemsA, full case conveyable itemsB, and full case breakpack itemsN, a manual dock full pallet staging areaincluding a full case non conveyable staging areaA, a full case conveyable staging areaB, and a full case breakpack staging areaN, and a manual conveyor belt(or any other type of conveyor belt that can be used in the distribution center). Breakpack is the process of picking units in a lower quantity than a full case. The breakpack can be also referred to as loose pick, unit pick, each pick, or inner pack pick.

200 200 200 The sectionis merely intended to be illustrative. The sectioncan include additional or fewer distribution center components. The sectioncan also include components that are unique to a particular distribution center and/or a particular type of distribution center.

200 210 210 200 200 210 200 210 Referring to the components represented at the section, the storesA-N can represent any quantity of customers, such as retail environments, that store items at the distribution center. Each storeA-N can, for example, request or purchase inventory from a manufacturer. The manufacturer can deliver or ship that inventory to the distribution center, which can be ingested into the distribution center at the inbound sectionof the pre-marked surface. Users at the inbound sectioncan perform tasks with that inventory, such as preparing the inventory for storage in the distribution center, unpacking the inventory, packing the inventory, etc., and load that inventory onto conveyor belts to be routed into the distribution center for storage. At a later time, any of the storesA-N can request their respective inventory to be pulled/picked from storage in the distribution center and shipped/delivered to their location. During gameplay, the user or users assigned to the sectioncan perform tasks/actions with modular pieces representing items or inventory for any one or more of the storesA-N. The user(s) can learn how to manage and perform many tasks for many customers.

212 212 212 212 214 200 213 212 213 200 213 212 213 212 213 200 1 FIG. 3 FIG. The conveyor beltcan be any type of conveyor beltused for moving items around the distribution center (e.g., moving items from one section to a next section on the pre-marked surface, as described and shown in). The conveyor beltcan be an automated conveyor belt. For example, the conveyor beltcan be used in performing automated distribution center tasks that may include using the ART. Moreover, the sectioncan include visual representations of modular piece locationsA-N at one or more positions along a length of the conveyor belt. The modular piece locationsA-N can be locations at which the user assigned to the sectionor other users can place any one or more of the modular pieces that the user(s) has performed actions with. For example, once the user prepares a modular piece representing an item to be put into storage in the distribution center for a particular store, the user can place the modular piece at a first modular piece locationA-N represented on the conveyor belt. The user or another user can then move the modular piece along the remaining modular piece locationsA-N of the conveyor beltuntil the modular piece is moved onto a next section of the pre-marked surface (e.g., refer to). In some implementations, one or more modular pieces can be placed at one or more of the modular piece locationsA-N to represent bottlenecks or buffer inventory. Buffer inventory represents an inventory that is in queue, awaiting processing. In some cases, a minimal amount (Lower Control Limit) of inventory needs to be in queue to prevent users (Team Members) from running out of work. Too much buffer would exacerbate the bullwhip effect and may also cause work stoppages. Such modular pieces may not be moved from their locations for at least a threshold amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, an entire round of gameplay) and therefore can represent real-world scenarios of bottlenecks, obstacles, and/or issues that may arise during inbound tasks/operations in the distribution center. The user(s) at the sectionmust then use their judgement to determine how to efficiently perform other inbound actions with other modular pieces while dealing with these bottlenecks, obstacles, and/or issues.

214 The ARTis a system that combines physical hardware (e.g., conveyors, sorters, scanners, print-and-apply label applicators, etc.), and software that sort newly unloaded goods by SKU and physical dimension, allowing optimal storage and reduced labor costs.

216 214 212 216 The breakpack sectioncan include modular pieces representing breakpack items (e.g., items picked and shipped in less-than-full case) to be routed to storage in the distribution center using automated techniques (e.g., using the ARTand the conveyor belt). Breakpack actions can be performed with the modular pieces at the breakpack section, such as breaking down or otherwise separating modular pieces that are stacked together. Separating the modular pieces into individual modular pieces can represent breaking down inbound pallets or cases into individual items (or multiple groups of items). The individual items may, further down a workflow for the distribution center for example, then be combined into pallets or cases having mixed items (e.g., another user can stack one or more of the individual modular pieces with other modular pieces).

218 214 212 218 212 214 212 The full case sectioncan include modular pieces representing full cases or pallets of items to be routed to storage in the distribution center using automated techniques (e.g., using the ARTand the conveyor belt). Full case actions can be performed with the modular pieces at the full case section, such as simply moving stacked modular pieces that represent a full case or pallet onto the conveyor belt. In some implementations, the user may first build a stack of modular pieces to represent an inbound full case of items, then add the stack of modular pieces to the ARTand/or the conveyor belt.

220 The process boardcan be a physical board where near-time metrics are tracked during a shift, such as volume attainment, observed disruptions to business plans, and countermeasures to reduce or remedy disruptions to performance. During the game, the process boards are sticky notes of a certain size (e.g., 3″×3″) that capture: Count of Safety Incidents, Count of Quality Defects, Count of Units deemed as Excess Inventory not Processed, and Count of Work Stoppages.

224 224 212 240 224 224 200 212 240 The empty palletscan include one or more modular pieces that represent empty pallets in the distribution center. Sometimes, the user can perform actions that include stacking modular pieces on one or more modular pieces that represent the empty pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces along either of the conveyor beltsor. Sometimes, the user can perform actions that include unstacking modular pieces, placing the modular pieces that represent the empty palletsat the empty palletsrepresented at the section, and then move the individual modular pieces along the conveyor beltand/or.

228 200 228 228 210 210 210 210 210 224 234 234 234 The keycan visually indicate what each of the different types of modular pieces represent at the sectionand/or across multiple sections of the pre-marked surface described herein. For example, the same keycan be used and represented at each section of the pre-marked surface to provide guidance to user(s) at the section about what the modular pieces represent. The keycan indicate which modular pieces (e.g., size, shape, and/or color) represent each of the storesA-N, different types of supplies that may be used in the distribution center, such as pallets, cases, or other distribution center equipment, and different types of items (e.g., inventory, freight). As a merely illustrative example, white square modular pieces can represent the storeA, black square modular pieces can represent the storeB, yellow square modular pieces can represent the storeC, and blue square modular pieces can represent the storeN. As another merely illustrative example, yellow rectangular modular pieces can represent supplies such as the empty pallets, red square modular pieces can represent the full case conveyable itemsB, black rectangular modular pieces can represent the full case non-conveyable itemsA, and green square modular pieces can represent the full case breakpack itemsN.

226 234 234 234 214 236 238 238 238 234 234 234 202 204 234 234 234 238 238 238 The manual dock areafor receiving full case non-conveyable itemsA, full case conveyable itemsB, and full case breakpack itemsN can visually represent a manual dock area of the distribution center where tasks/actions are manually performed by workers (rather than automated tasks/actions, such as those tasks performed with the ART). The manual dock full pallet staging areaincluding a full case non conveyable staging areaA, a full case conveyable staging areaB, and a full case breakpack staging areaN can visually represent locations in the distribution center where workers may manually stage/prepare the full case non-conveyable itemsA, the full case conveyable itemsB, and/or the full case breakpack itemsN to then be transported to other sections/zones in the distribution center. Dependent on the data from the cardsA-N andA-N, a user can move one modular piece from sectionsA,B, orN and placed in on a modular piece on sectionsA,B, orN.

200 236 240 240 240 240 212 3 FIG. Once the user assigned to the sectionperforms on or more actions with modular pieces in the manual dock full pallet staging area, the user can move the modular pieces onto the conveyor belt. The user or other users can then move the modular pieces along the conveyor beltto one or more other sections represented at the pre-marked surface (e.g., refer to). The conveyor beltcan be a manual conveyor belt. The conveyor beltcan also be any other type of conveyor belt, such as the conveyor belt, that can be used to convey or move the modular pieces representing items (e.g., inventory) to different sections of the distribution center, as represented on the pre-marked surface.

200 202 204 206 208 200 202 204 206 208 202 204 206 208 The sectionalso can include 4 sets of cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N, which can be randomly selected by a user at the sectionduring a round of gameplay described herein. Each of the sets of cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N can provide different instructions to the user that prompt the user to perform different types of actions with different inbound scenarios. The cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N can inject real-world scenarios into the gameplay to which the user and other downstream users must respond.

202 234 234 234 238 238 238 The cardsA-N can include instructions for performing inbound tasks with a low flow dock. Tasks (cards) are assigning the movement of modular pieces from sectionsA,B, orN, to sectionsA,B, orN. The low flow dock is newly receipted freight that is received on the manual dock (no automation) and does not have immediate outbound demand and will be stored in the warehouse.

204 234 234 234 238 238 238 The cardsA-N can include instructions for performing inbound tasks with a high flow dock. Tasks (cards) are assigning the movement of modular pieces from sectionsA,B, orN, to sectionsA,B, orN. The high flow dock is newly receipted freight that is received on the manual dock (no automation) and has immediate outbound demand and is immediately placed on a conveyor and transported to an outbound trailer and is consigned to a specific customer or store.

206 216 218 212 The cardsA-N can include instructions for performing inbound tasks with a low flow ART. Tasks (cards) are assigning the movement of modular pieces from sectionsorto section. The low flow ART is newly receipted freight that is received through the Automated Receiving Technology and does not have immediate outbound demand and will be stored in the warehouse.

208 216 218 212 The cardsA-N can include instructions for performing inbound tasks with a high flow ART. Tasks (cards) are assigning the movement of modular pieces from sectionsorto section. The high flow ART is newly receipted freight that is received through the Automated Receiving Technology and has immediate outbound demand and is immediately placed on a conveyor and transported to an outbound trailer and is consigned to a specific customer or store.

202 204 206 208 202 204 206 208 The cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N are merely illustrative examples of instruction instruments that can be used during the rounds of gameplay described herein. The cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N can include different instructions and/or fewer/additional sets of cards can be used in different implementations of the disclosed techniques.

200 200 202 204 206 208 210 210 210 202 204 206 208 202 204 206 208 During gameplay using the illustrative section, the user assigned to the sectioncan select one of the cards from the sets of cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N to perform an action for items (e.g., inventory) associated with one of the storesA-N. The user can use their judgement to decide which of the storesA-N they would like to select a card for. The user can also be instructed (e.g., by a prompt or another user) to select a card for a particular store amongst the storesA-N. The user can use their judgement to decide which of the sets of cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N they would like to select a card from. The user can also be instructed to select a card from a particular set of cards amongst the sets of cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N.

202 204 206 208 200 212 214 206 208 200 226 236 240 202 204 The cardsA-N,A-N,A-N, andA-N can include instructions such as prompting the user to select a certain quantity of modular pieces (e.g., items) to bring into the sectionfor the particular store. The instructions can include prompting the user to add the modular pieces to the conveyor beltusing the ART. These instructions, for example, can be included in the cardsA-N and/orA-N and can therefore require the use of automation and automated techniques to prepare modular pieces in the inbound sectionfor ingestion and storage in other sections in the distribution center. The instructions can include prompting the user to unload, pack, and/or stage items using the modular pieces in the manual dock areaand/or the manual dock full pallet staging area, then load those modular pieces onto the conveyor belt. These instructions can be included in the cardsA-N and/orA-N. One or more other instructions are also possible, as described herein.

202 204 240 236 200 234 224 240 234 210 224 240 234 224 240 As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N and/orA-N can include a card that instructs the use to draw/select/flip another card (from the same set of cards or from another set of cards). Additionally or alternatively, the card can instruct the user to stack a predetermined quantity of a predetermined type of modular piece on top of another predetermined quantity of another predetermined type of modular piece, then move the stacked modular pieces onto the conveyor belt. Such instructions can present a high flow manual dock breakpack action, which can be performed by the user in the manual dock full pallet staging areaof the section. For example, the card can instruct the user to stack one green square modular piece representing the full case breakpack itemsN on top of one yellow rectangle modular piece representing the empty pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces to the conveyor belt. These stacked modular pieces can represent a pallet that is not fully packed but can receive mixed items during one or more other sub-processes in the workflow for the distribution center. Another example card can represent a high flow manual dock conveyable action for a particular store and thus can instruct the user to stack one red square modular piece representing the full case conveyable itemsB on top of one blue square modular piece representing the storeN on top of one yellow rectangular modular piece representing the empty pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces to the conveyor belt. Another example card can represent a high flow manual dock non-conveyable action and thus can instruct the user to stack one black rectangular modular piece representing the full case non-conveyable itemsA on top of one yellow rectangular modular piece representing the empty pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces onto the conveyor belt.

206 208 206 208 214 212 213 212 214 212 206 208 214 212 213 210 234 210 214 212 As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N and/orA-N can include a card that instructs the user to draw/select/flip another card (from the same set of cards or from another set of cards). Additionally or alternatively, the cardsA-N and/orA-N can include a card that instructs the user to move a predetermined quantity of a particular type of modular piece onto the ART, the conveyor belt, and/or one or more of the modular piece locationsA-N at the conveyor belt. For example, the card can represent a breakpack action in high flow ART tasks that requires the user to identify one green square modular piece and place that modular piece on the ARTand/or the conveyor belt. Additionally or alternatively, the cardsA-N and/orA-N can include a card that instructs the user to build a predetermined quantity of one or more particular types of modular pieces in a particular order/design/arrangement and then move the built modular pieces onto the ART, the conveyor belt, and/or one or more of the modular piece locationsA-N. For example, the card can represent an ART conveyable flow action for the storeN in high flow ART tasks that requires the user to stack one red square modular piece representing the full case conveyable itemsB on top of one blue square modular piece representing the storeN, then moving these stacked modular pieces onto the ARTand/or the conveyor belt.

236 240 In some implementations, the user may be instructed to keep a stack of modular pieces including the modular piece that represents a pallet in the manual dock full pallet staging areauntil the modular piece representing the pallet is full. At this point, the user can be instructed (e.g., by a prompt, another user, one or more cards) to stack another modular piece representing another pallet on top of the modular piece representing the full pallet. The user can be instructed to stack any quantity of modular pieces representing additional pallets (e.g., 3 yellow rectangular modular pieces) on top of the modular piece representing the full pallet before moving these modular pieces to the conveyor belt. This process simulates the utilization of the triple pallet jack (can move a maximum of three pallets at once.

200 200 The sectioncan include a machine-readable optical label, such as a barcode (e.g., QR code), which a user can scan using a mobile device or other computing devices. The label can enable the user's device to access one or more instructions for the user specific to the section.

3 FIG. 1 FIG. 4 FIG. 300 300 104 102 300 is a second example sectionof the pre-marked surface for demonstrating distribution operations at the distribution center. The sectioncan be the same as or similar to the zoneB of the pre-marked surfacedescribed in. The sectioncan represent a zone in the distribution center where warehousing or storing tasks are performed. Such tasks can include, for example, building pallets, cases, and/or cages of items for storage, moving items into storage locations, and/or removing items from storage locations to be sent to another section or zone in the distribution center (e.g., refer to).

300 300 302 303 304 302 304 240 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 300 300 300 The sectioncan include visual representations of various distribution center components that may be used to perform warehousing/storing tasks. The illustrative example sectionincludes components such as a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, one or more modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor beltsand/or, the conveyor belt, non-conveyable aislesA-N, non-conveyable work in progress area, empty cages, empty pallets, storesA-N, a conveyable work in progress area, conveyable aislesA-N, and a process board. The sectionis merely intended to be illustrative. The sectioncan include additional or fewer distribution center components. The sectioncan also include components that are unique to a particular distribution center and/or a particular type of distribution center.

300 302 212 303 212 303 302 303 302 402 303 403 303 300 304 302 303 213 240 200 2 FIG. 4 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. Referring to the components represented at the section, the first conveyor beltcan be the same as or similar to the conveyor beltdescribed in reference to. The second conveyor beltcan be similar to or the same as the conveyor belt. The second conveyor beltcan be used for transporting breakpack full cases of items in the distribution center. The two sectionsandtransition into different workstations. The sectiontransfers modular pieces to the section, and the sectiontransfers modular pieces to the section. In some implementations, the conveyor beltcan be used to transport modular pieces that do not go into storage in the sectionbut rather go straight to a picking/palletization zone, such as the section represented and described in. The modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor beltsand/orare similar to or the same as the modular piece locationsA-N described in reference to. The conveyor beltcontinues from the sectionofand can continue across multiple and/or all of the sections represented at the pre-marked surface described herein.

306 300 302 302 240 306 The non-conveyable aislesA-N can represent aisles, racks, or other types of storage locations in the distribution center where non-conveyable items can be stored. A user assigned to the sectionmay, for example, perform actions such as moving modular pieces that represent non-conveyable items from either of the conveyor belts,, and/orinto the non-conveyable aislesA-N to represent moving non-conveyable items to non-conveyable item storage locations in the distribution center.

308 300 306 310 312 308 314 240 4 FIG. The non-conveyable work in progress areacan represent an area in the distribution center where one or more workers may prepare non-conveyable items to be transported to another location/section in the distribution center. For example, the user assigned to the sectionmay perform actions such as retrieving one or more modular pieces in the non-conveyable aislesA-N and stacking them on top of one or more empty cagesand/or empty palletsin the non-conveyable work in progress areafor a particular store of the storesA-N. The user may then move the stacked modular pieces onto the conveyor beltto be transported to the next section represented at the pre-marked surface (e.g., refer to).

310 300 310 310 306 318 310 4 FIG. The empty cagescan represent modular pieces that may be used by the user assigned to the sectionwhen performing tasks with other modular pieces at this section. For example, the user can perform an action such as stacking multiple modular pieces representing items for storage on top of a modular piece representing an empty cage, then move the empty cagewith the stacked modular pieces to either of the non-conveyable aislesA-N or the conveyable aislesA-N for storage. The modular pieces representing the empty cagescan also be used by the user to perform actins such as picking items to be transported to the next section in the distribution center (e.g., refer to).

316 300 318 310 312 316 314 240 4 FIG. The conveyable work in progress areacan represent an area in the distribution center where one or more workers may prepare conveyable items to be transported to another location/section in the distribution center. For example, the user assigned to the sectionmay perform actions such as retrieving one or more modular pieces in the conveyable aislesA-N and stacking them on top of one or more empty cagesand/or empty palletsin the conveyable work in progress areafor a particular store of the storesA-N. The user may then move the stacked modular pieces onto the conveyor beltto be transported to the next section represented at the pre-marked surface (e.g., refer to).

318 300 302 302 240 318 The conveyable aislesA-N can represent aisles, racks, or other types of storage locations in the distribution center where conveyable items can be stored. The user assigned to the sectionmay, for example, perform actions such as moving modular pieces that represent conveyable items from either of the conveyor belts,, and/orinto the conveyable aislesA-N to represent moving conveyable items to conveyable item storage locations in the distribution center.

312 224 314 210 320 220 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. The empty palletscan be the same as or similar to the empty palletsdescribed in reference to. The storesA-N can be the same as or similar to the storesA-N described in reference to. Moreover, the process boardcan be the same as or similar to the process boarddescribed in.

300 200 300 322 324 322 324 322 324 2 FIG. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions with the modular pieces that are received from the user at the sectionof. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions that are described on one or more sets of cardsA-N andA-N. A card can be randomly selected by the user during a round of gameplay described herein. Each of the sets of cardsA-N andA-N can provide different instructions to the user that prompt the user to perform different types of actions with different warehousing/storing scenarios. The cardsA-N andA-N can inject real-world scenarios into the gameplay to which the user and other downstream users must respond.

322 322 306 308 The cardsA-N can include instructions for performing warehousing tasks with non-conveyable items. Task (cards) from sectionA-N provide instructions to move modular pieces fromA-N to modular pieces in section.

324 324 314 316 The cardsA-N can include instructions for performing warehousing tasks with conveyable items. Task (cards) from sectionA-N provide instructions to move modular pieces fromA-N to modular pieces in section. In some cases, the way that the user knows whether to choose non-conveyable versus conveyable cards is a subjective decision, allowing the user to decide between short term departmental productivity gains while hindering total building performance. Short-sighted decisions will create the bullwhip effect to downstream partners.

322 324 322 324 The cardsA-N andA-N are merely illustrative examples of instruction instruments that can be used during the rounds of gameplay described herein. The cardsA-N andA-N can include different instructions and/or fewer/additional sets of cards can be used in different implementations of the disclosed techniques.

300 300 322 324 302 303 240 200 300 2 FIG. During gameplay using the illustrative section, the user assigned to the sectioncan select one of the cards from the sets of cardsA-N andA-N when they receive modular pieces on either of the conveyor belts,, and/or, from the section(refer to). The selected card can instruct the user about at least one action to perform with the received modular pieces representing items to be warehoused/stored in the section.

322 324 322 312 306 240 322 310 306 240 The cardsA-N andA-N can include instructions such as prompting the user to select a predetermined quantity of a particular type of modular piece to stack on top of another particular type of modular piece. For example, the instructions on a card from the non-conveyable cardsA-N can prompt the user to stack a black rectangular modular piece representing non-conveyable items on top of a yellow rectangular modular piece representing the empty pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces into the non-conveyable aislesA-N and/or onto the conveyor beltto be routed to the next section. Another example card from the non-conveyable cardsA-N can prompt the user to stack a black rectangular modular piece representing non-conveyable items on top of an orange rectangular modular piece representing the empty cages, then move the stacked modular pieces into the non-conveyable aislesA-N and/or onto the conveyor belt.

324 314 312 318 240 314 310 318 240 Illustrative examples of conveyable cardsA-N can include a card instructing the user to build a full pallet for a particular store. For example, the card can prompt the user to stack one purple square modular piece representing a full case of conveyable items on top of one yellow square modular piece representing a particular store (e.g., the storeC) on top of one yellow rectangular modular piece representing the empty pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces to the conveyable aislesA-N and/or the conveyor belt. Another example card can prompt the user to build a cage (e.g., case, carton air) for a particular store by instructing the user to stack one purple square modular piece representing a full case of conveyable items on top of a blue square modular piece representing a particular store (e.g., the storeN) on top of one orange rectangular modular piece representing the empty cages, then move the stacked modular pieces to the conveyable aislesA-N and/or the conveyor belt.

308 316 240 In some implementations, the user may be instructed to keep a stack of modular pieces including the modular piece that represents a pallet and/or a cage (e.g., case, carton air) in the non-conveyable work in progress areaand/or the conveyable work in progress areauntil the modular piece representing the pallet and/or the cage is full. At this point, the user can be instructed (e.g., by a prompt, another user, one or more cards) to stack another modular piece representing another pallet and/or cage on top of the modular piece representing the full pallet and/or the full cage. The user can be instructed to stack any quantity of modular pieces representing additional pallets and/or cages (e.g., 3 yellow rectangular modular pieces representing 3 full pallets, 5 orange rectangular modular pieces representing 5 full cages) on top of the modular piece representing the full pallet and/or the full cage before moving these modular pieces to the conveyor belt. This process simulates the utilization of the triple pallet jack (can move a maximum of three pallets at once). Similarly, where cage carts are used, it is best practice to move a maximum of five cage carts at one time.

300 300 The sectioncan include a machine-readable optical label, such as a barcode (e.g., QR code), which a user can scan using a mobile device or other computing devices. The label can enable the user's device to access one or more instructions for the user specific to the section.

4 FIG. 1 FIG. 5 FIG. 400 400 104 102 400 400 is a third example sectionof the pre-marked surface for demonstrating distribution operations at the distribution center. The sectioncan be the same as or similar to the zoneC of the pre-marked surfacedescribed in. The sectioncan represent a zone in the distribution center where depalletization and/or repalletization tasks can be performed. Depalletization involves removing individual cartons from a pallet and moving the individual cartons onto a conveyor. Repalletization involves removing cartons from a conveyor and palletizing them for a consolidated movement. Once actions/tasks are performed with items in the section, the items can be sent to another section or zone in the distribution center (e.g., refer to).

400 400 402 403 404 402 403 240 406 408 410 412 414 416 418 420 422 424 400 400 400 406 406 402 416 The sectioncan include visual representations of various distribution center components that may be used to perform depalletization and/or repalletization tasks. The illustrative example sectionincludes components such as a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, one or more modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor beltsand/or, the conveyor belt, an ergo loading area, empty pallets, a full pallet staging area, a manual loading area, a process board, a carton air (e.g., cage, case) staging area, a carton air loading area, empty cages, a re-palletization zonesA-N, and a re-palletization staging area. The sectionis merely intended to be illustrative. The sectioncan include additional or fewer distribution center components. The sectioncan also include components that are unique to a particular distribution center and/or a particular type of distribution center. The term “ergo” in the ergo loading arearepresents an ergonomic depalletizer process where the user is at a consistent waist height to the freight being handled. The sectioncan be used an induction point for the section. The term “carton air” in the carton air staging arearepresents that a team member is picking freight via an order picker while off the ground on a powered industrial truck, such as an order picker. The “carton “air” can also be referred to as carton picking or full case picking.

400 402 302 403 303 234 212 200 212 303 300 403 400 422 424 300 234 234 200 400 3 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 3 FIG. Referring to the components represented at the section, the first conveyor beltcan be the same as or similar to the conveyor beltdescribed in reference to. The second conveyor beltcan be similar to or the same as the conveyor beltin. For example, in some implementations, full case breakpack itemsN that are added to the conveyor beltat the sectionincan be transported along the conveyor belt, along the conveyor beltat the sectionin, and then be directed along the conveyor beltat the sectioninto be re-palletized at one of the zonesA-N in the re-palletization staging area. Users at the sectioninmay not perform actions with the itemsN and instead, actions can be performed with the itemsN by users at the sectionand the section.

404 402 402 213 240 200 2 FIG. 2 300 FIG.and 3 FIG. The modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor beltsand/orare similar to or the same as the modular piece locationsA-N described in reference to. The conveyor beltcontinues from the sectionsofof, and can continue across multiple and/or all of the sections represented at the pre-marked surface described herein.

406 402 The ergo loading areais an induction point for modular pieces to be conveyed to section.

410 400 240 410 408 410 406 402 5 FIG. The full pallet staging areacan represent an area in the distribution center where workers may prepare full pallets of items to be shipped from the distribution center. A user assigned to the sectionmay, for example, perform actions such as stacking modular pieces that represent items to be shipped out on top of one or more modular pieces that represent pallets. The user can receive modular pieces via the conveyor beltthat represent conveyable full case. The user can move these modular pieces to the full pallet staging areaand stack those modular pieces on one or more of the palletsin the full pallet staging area. As another example, the user can perform actions such as moving the stacked modular pieces in the ergo loading areaso that the stacked modular pieces can be routed to the conveyor beltand moved along to a next section represented at the pre-marked surface (e.g., refer to).

412 402 403 The manual loading areacan represent an area in the distribution center where workers may load one or more full pallets and/or carton airs of items onto the conveyor beltand/or.

416 400 418 412 The carton air (e.g., cage, case) staging areacan represent an area in the distribution center where workers prepare carton airs of items to be shipped from the distribution center. The worker assigned to the sectionmay, for example, perform actions such as stacking modular pieces that represent items to be shipped on top of one or more modular pieces that represent carton airs. As another example, the user can perform actions such as moving the stacked modular pieces in the carton air loading areaand/or the manual loading areaso that the stacked modular pieces can be routed to the next section represented at the pre-marked surface.

418 402 403 Accordingly, the carton air loading areacan represent an area in the distribution center where workers may load one or more packed carton airs of items ono the conveyor beltand/or.

422 403 422 424 240 403 422 420 424 240 The re-palletization zonesA-N can represent one or more zones where full case breakpack items may be routed from the conveyor belt. The received items can be repalletized in the sectionsA-Z and then moved to the sectionfor staging until cage carts are built before being moved to the conveyor belt. Cage can refer to the physical cart while Carton Air can refer to the process of picking while using a Cage attached to an Order Picker and lifted off the ground. The user can, for example, receive modular pieces representing full case breakpack items via the conveyor belt. The user can move those modular pieces to at least one of the zones represented by the re-palletization zonesA-N. The user can be instructed to stack one or more of those modular pieces with one or more modular pieces representing the cagesin the re-palletization staging area. Once the modular pieces are stacked according to the instructions, the user can move the stacked modular pieces to the conveyor beltto be routed to the next section represented at the pre-marked surface.

408 224 414 220 420 310 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. The empty palletscan be the same as or similar to the empty palletsdescribed in reference to. The process boardcan be the same as or similar to the process boarddescribed in. The empty cagescan be the same as or similar to the empty cagesdescribed in reference to.

400 300 400 110 110 422 3 FIG. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions with the modular pieces that are received from the user at the sectionof. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions that correspond to one or more sides of the dieA, which the user rolls during a round of gameplay. The user can roll the dieA to determine in which of the re-palletization zonesA-N the user should re-palletize the modular pieces representing the full case breakpack items.

240 406 Here, when freight is staged from the section, the user can induct the freight to the section.

400 400 110 403 110 422 110 422 3 420 422 400 During gameplay using the illustrative section, the user assigned to the sectioncan roll the dieA once they receive modular pieces on the conveyor belt. The rolled dieA value(s) can indicate to the user where to stack the received modular pieces in the re-palletization zonesA-N. For example, the dieA can be 4-sided. Each side represents one of the zonesA-N. The user may roll a, which indicates that the user should stack the modular piece representing the full case breakpack items (e.g., a green square modular piece) on a modular piece representing a cage(e.g., an orange rectangular modular piece) in a third zone of the re-palletization zonesA-N represented at the section.

420 424 420 420 240 420 2 240 5 FIG. In some implementations, the user may be instructed to keep a stack of modular pieces including the modular piece that represents the cagein the re-palletization staging areauntil the modular piece representing the cageis full. At this point, the user can be instructed (e.g., by a prompt, another user, using their judgement) to stack another modular piece representing another cageon top of the modular piece representing the full cage. The user can be instructed to stack any quantity of modular pieces representing additional pallets and/or items on top of the modular piece representing the full cage before moving these modular pieces to the conveyor belt. As an illustrative example, once the modular piece representing the cageis full (e.g.,green modular pieces representing full case breakpack items are stacked thereon), the user can continue stacking full cages until 5 full cages are stacked together. The user can then move the stack of 5 full cages with their respective items onto the conveyor beltto be routed to the next section described in.

400 400 The sectioncan include a machine-readable optical label, such as a barcode (e.g., QR code), which a user can scan using a mobile device or other computing devices. The label can enable the user's device to access one or more instructions for the user specific to the section.

5 FIG. 1 FIG. 6 FIG. 500 500 104 102 500 500 is a fourth example sectionof the pre-marked surface for demonstrating distribution operations at the distribution center. The sectioncan be the same as or similar to the zoneD of the pre-marked surfacedescribed in. The sectioncan represent a zone in the distribution center where packing and breakpacking tasks can be performed. Once the actions/tasks are performed with items in the section, the items can be sent to another section or zone in the distribution center (e.g., refer to).

500 500 502 504 502 506 508 510 512 514 520 522 524 530 240 508 500 500 500 The sectioncan include visual representations of various distribution center components that may be used to perform packing and breakpacking tasks. The illustrative example sectionincludes components such as a conveyor belt, one or more modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor belt, breakpack aislesA-N, store ship racks (SSPs), a breakpack work in progress area, empty pallets, empty cages, a process board, a packing mods staging area, store packing modsA-N, storesA-N, and the conveyor belt. The SSPsare the lowest unit of measure that a store can receive of a SKU. For example, a carton of widgets contains 4 inner packs of 25, totaling 100 pieces per carton. The SSP value would be set at 25, and the store cannot receive less than one inner pack of 25. The sectionis merely intended to be illustrative. The sectioncan include additional or fewer distribution center components. The sectioncan also include components that are unique to a particular distribution center and/or a particular type of distribution center.

500 502 212 302 303 402 403 502 402 502 524 400 402 502 500 500 500 2 4 FIGS.- Referring to the components represented at the section, the conveyor beltcan be the same as or similar to any one or more of the conveyor belts,,,, and/ordescribed in. The conveyor beltcan be a continuation of the belt. The breakpack/packing can feed the beltfrom the small conveyance that is fed by the sectionsA-N. For example, items can be moved from the sectionalong the conveyor beltto the conveyor beltof the section. A user assigned to the sectioncan then perform one or more packing and/or breakpacking actions with the items that are moved to the section.

504 502 213 240 200 4 2 FIG. 2 300 FIG., 3 400 FIG., and The one or more modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor beltare similar to or the same as the modular piece locationsA-N described in reference to. The conveyor beltcontinues from the sectionsofofof FIG., and can continue across multiple and/or all of the sections represented at the pre-marked surface described herein.

506 500 506 506 512 514 530 510 500 The breakpack aislesA-N can represent locations in the distribution center where breakpack items may be stored or otherwise placed. Breakpack items can include full case breakpack items as described above. Breakpack items can additionally or alternatively include SSP breakpack items. The user assigned to the sectionmay, for example, perform actions such as placing modular pieces that represent breakpack items in the breakpack aislesA-N. The user can also perform actions such as retrieving one or more modular pieces representing the breakpack items from the breakpack aislesA-N and unstack or stack them with other modular pieces (such as modular pieces representing the empty pallets, the empty cages, one or more of the storesA-N, and/or one or more other items) in the breakpack work in progress arearepresented at the section.

508 516 510 The SSPrepresents the physical warehouse section where breakpack items are stowed and pick. A user can flip cards in the sectionA-N and pick SSPs (Green 1×1 modular pieces) and move them to Zones 1-4 as depicted in the progress area.

510 516 510 522 524 The breakpack work in progress areacan represent an area in the distribution center where workers perform breakpacking actions with breakpack items. The user can, for example, perform actions. For example, a user can flip cards in the sectionA-N and pick SSPs (Green 1×1 modular pieces) and move them to Zones 1-4 in the progress area. Once a full pallet, represented by the yellow 2×4 brick or carton air, represented by the orange 2×4 brick is completed, it is moved to the sectionawaiting packing in sectionA-N.

510 The actions can be performed with respect to particular zones in the breakpack work in progress area.

522 510 530 510 522 The packing mods staging areacan represent an area in the distribution center where pallets and/or cages of breakpack items that are prepared in the breakpack work in progress areaare maintained/held until ready to be packed for shipment to one or more of the storesA-N. The user can perform actions such as moving the modular pieces that are prepared in the breakpack work in progress areato the packing mods staging areaonce the user completes the breakpacking actions with the modular pieces.

524 522 524 524 502 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The store packing modsA-N can represent areas in the distribution center where items can be packed for a particular store to then be shipped/delivered to the store. In, the designations of A, B, C, D represent packing zones, e.g., apparel, food, health and beauty, etc. The user can perform actions such as moving one or more of the modular pieces from the packing mods staging areato one of the store packing modsA-N for which the modular pieces are to be delivered. The user can perform actions such as stacking one or more modular pieces in the respective store packing modsA-N as a packing operation. Once the packing operation is complete, the user can move the stacked modular pieces onto the conveyor beltto be delivered to the next section represented at the pre-marked surface (e.g., refer to).

512 224 514 310 520 220 530 210 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. The empty palletscan be the same as or similar to the empty palletsdescribed in reference to. The empty cagescan be the same as or similar to the empty cagesdescribed in reference to. The process boardcan be the same as or similar to the process boarddescribed in. The storesA-N can be the same as or similar to the storesA-N described in.

500 400 500 516 110 516 110 510 526 110 526 110 524 110 110 110 4 FIG. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions with the modular pieces that are received from the user at the sectionof. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform breakpack actions that correspond to a card that is randomly selected by the user amongst a set of breakpack cardsA-N and one or more sides of a dieB that the user rolls during a round of gameplay. The user can select a card amongst the breakpack cardsA-N to determine what type of breakpack action to perform and the user can roll the dieB to determine in which of the zone in the breakpack work in progress areato perform the breakpack action. The user can also perform packing actions that correspond to a card that is randomly selected amongst a set of packing cardsA-N and one or more sides of a dieC that the user rolls during the round of gameplay. The user can select a card amongst the packing cardsA-N to determine what type of packing action to perform and the user can roll the dieC to determine in which of the store packing modsA-N to perform the packing action. The diceB andC can be the same as or similar to the diceA-N described throughout this disclosure.

500 500 The sectioncan include a machine-readable optical label, such as a barcode (e.g., QR code), which a user can scan using a mobile device or other computing devices. The label can enable the user's device to access one or more instructions for the user specific to the section.

6 FIG. 1 FIG. 600 600 104 102 600 600 is a fifth example sectionof the pre-marked surface for demonstrating distribution operations at the distribution center. The sectioncan be the same as or similar to the zoneE of the pre-marked surfacedescribed in. The sectioncan represent a zone in the distribution center where shipping tasks can be performed. Once the actions/tasks are performed with items in the section, the items are ready to be shipped or delivered to customers, such as the stores described above.

600 600 602 604 602 606 608 610 616 618 240 600 600 600 The sectioncan include visual representations of various distribution center components that may be used to perform shipping tasks. The illustrative example sectionincludes components such as a conveyor belt, one or more modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor belt, a non-conveyable staging area, empty pallets, empty cages, store outbound zonesA-N, a process board, and the conveyor belt. The sectionis merely intended to be illustrative. The sectioncan include additional or fewer distribution center components. The sectioncan also include components that are unique to a particular distribution center and/or a particular type of distribution center.

600 602 212 302 303 402 403 502 500 502 602 600 616 600 600 2 5 FIGS.- Referring to the components represented at the section, the conveyor beltcan be the same as or similar to any one or more of the conveyor belts,,,,, and/ordescribed in. For example, items that are packed for any of the stores described herein can be moved from the sectionalong the conveyor beltto the conveyor beltof the section, then routed to the respective store outbound zonesA-N. A user assigned to the sectioncan accordingly perform one or more shipping actions with the items that are moved to the section.

604 602 213 240 200 500 240 600 600 240 606 2 FIG. 2 300 FIG., 3 400 FIG., 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. The one or more modular piece locationsA-N along the conveyor beltare similar to or the same as the modular piece locationsA-N described in reference to. The conveyor beltcontinues from the sectionsofofof, andof. As shown in, the conveyor beltends at the section. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions such as moving modular pieces from the conveyor beltto the non-conveyable staging area.

606 600 606 608 610 602 600 602 616 The non-conveyable staging areacan represent an area in the distribution center where workers may prepare one or more non-conveyable items for shipment. The user assigned to the sectioncan, for example, perform actions such as moving one or more modular pieces representing non-conveyable items to the non-conveyable staging areaand stacking the modular pieces with other modular pieces (such as modular pieces representing the empty palletsand/or the empty cages). Once the user stacks the modular pieces to create a full pallet and/or a full cage of modular pieces representing non-conveyable items, the user can move the stacked modular pieces to the conveyor belt. The stacked modular pieces can then be routed, by the user or any other users at the section, from the conveyor beltto the store outbound zoneA-N representing a store that is intended to receive the items represented by the stacked modular pieces.

616 616 602 616 616 210 600 616 6 FIG. 2 FIG. The store outbound zonesA-N can represent aisles, locations, areas, zones, conveyor belts, and/or trailers in the distribution center where items for a particular store are sent after all other tasks/actions/operations are performed with those items in the distribution center. The store outbound zonesA-N can be connected to the conveyor beltso that items that are ready to be shipped to their respective stores can be routed automatically to the designated store outbound zonesA-N, then loaded into a truck, trailer, or other equipment to be delivered/shipped to the respective stores. Any one or more of these actions can be performed by workers in the distribution center and/or automated warehouse vehicles in the distribution center, including but not limited to forklifts and/or robots. In the illustrative example of, the store outbound zonesA-N can correspond to each of the stores described herein, such as the storesA-N in. The sectioncan include additional or fewer store outbound zonesA-N, where each store outbound zone may correspond to one or multiple customers.

608 224 610 310 618 220 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. The empty palletscan be the same as or similar to the empty palletsdescribed in reference to. The empty cagescan be the same as or similar to the empty cagesdescribed in reference to. The process boardcan be the same as or similar to the process boarddescribed in.

600 500 600 612 614 612 602 240 606 614 602 240 616 5 FIG. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform actions with the modular pieces that are received from the user at the sectionof. The user assigned to the sectioncan perform shipping actions that correspond to cards that are randomly selected by the user amongst a set of outbound cardsA-N and/or a set of trailer cardsA-N. The user can select a card amongst the outbound cardsA-N to determine what type of shipping action to perform with modular pieces received at the conveyor beltsand/or(e.g., actions to stack one or more modular pieces representing non-conveyable items in the non-conveyable staging area). The user can select a card amongst the trailer cardsA-N to determine other types of shipping actions to perform with the modular pieces received at the conveyor beltsand/or(e.g., actions to route one or more of the modular pieces to one or more of the store outbound zonesA-N). Other actions are also possible.

600 600 The sectioncan include a machine-readable optical label, such as a barcode (e.g., QR code), which a user can scan using a mobile device or other computing devices. The label can enable the user's device to access one or more instructions for the user specific to the section.

7 FIG. 700 700 702 704 716 702 704 is another example systemfor demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center described herein. The systemcan include a computer systemand user devicesA-N that communicate (e.g., wired and/or wirelessly) via network(s). The computer systemcan be any type of computing device, network of computers, and/or cloud-based system. The user devicesA-N can be any type of computing devices, mobile devices, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and/or computers.

702 102 114 112 704 704 700 704 1 6 FIGS.- The computer systemcan be configured to provide an electronic version of the pre-marked surface, the instruction instrumentsA-N, and the modular piecesA-N described herein (e.g., refer to) to users at the user devicesA-N. As a result, the users can simulate distribution operations at the distribution center from their respective user devicesA-N. The users can, for example, be remote from each other, and use the systemto work together to simulate the distribution operations at the distribution center as described herein. The users can be part of teams and/or associated with distribution centers all over a geographic region. These users can bring their diverse experience and skills to rounds of gameplay at their user devicesA-N, thereby affecting simulation of the distribution operations and learning outcomes for all the users, regardless of whether the users work together in real-world teams at real-world distribution centers.

700 702 704 706 720 706 102 720 708 714 704 708 710 712 708 710 712 714 114 108 110 112 1 FIG. 1 FIG. Referring to the system, the computer systemcan generate and transmit instructions to one or more of the user devicesA-N to present a pre-marked surface(block A,). The pre-marked surfacecan be a virtual or electronic version of the pre-marked surfacedescribed in reference to. The instructions transmitted in block A () can also include instructions to present instruction instrumentsA-N and modular piecesA-N at the user device(s)A-N. The instruction instrumentsA-N can include cardsA-N and/or diceA-N. The instruction instrumentsA-N, including the cardsA-N and the diceA-N and the modular piecesA-N can be virtual or electronic versions of the instruction instrumentsA-N, the cardsA-N, the diceA-N, and/or the modular piecesA-N described in reference to at least.

704 704 704 704 In some implementations, the instructions can also instruct the user device(s)A-N to present one or more tools or other interfaces at the user device(s)A-N. Such tools can include, for example, data fields that allow the user at the user device(s)A-N to provide, as input, workflows and/or work plans associated with one or more distribution centers. The user can also use such tools to provide, as input, one or more tasks that may be performed by various users at one or more distribution centers, as part of a workflow for the distribution center(s) and/or sub-workflows for the distribution center(s). As a result, during gameplay, the user inputted workflows, plans, and/or tasks can be simulated and the users at their respective user devicesA-N can perform tasks that are unique to particular distribution centers.

704 704 706 704 722 704 708 704 706 706 706 706 702 706 706 2 FIG. 2 6 FIGS.- The instructions, once executed by the user device(s)A-N cause the user device(s)A-N to present at least the pre-marked surfacein a graphical user interface (GUI) display at the user device(s)A-N (block B,). The instructions may also cause the user device(s)A-N to present any of the instruction instrumentsA-N described herein. In some implementations, the instructions can cause the user device(s)A-N to present one or more sections of the pre-marked surface. For example, the first instructions can be sent to a first user device to cause the first user device to present a first section of the pre-marked surface(refer to). A user at the first user device can be assigned the first section of the pre-marked surfaceand therefore can perform actions with regards to the first section of the pre-marked surfaceduring a round of gameplay. The computer systemcan send other instructions to another user device that can cause the another user device to present another section of the pre-marked surfacethat a user of the another user device is assigned for the round of gameplay. As a result, each user device can present different information during the round of gameplay, such as different sections, as described further in reference to, of the pre-marked surface.

704 724 704 706 706 704 710 704 710 704 710 714 713 706 104 714 704 714 704 714 714 714 704 702 704 714 704 704 706 714 706 2 FIG. 3 FIG. The user device(s)A-N can receive user input indicating actions performed by the respective user at the device during the round of gameplay (block C,). For example, the user deviceA can present the first section of the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As part of presenting the first section of the pre-marked surfacein the GUI display, the user deviceA can also present selectable graphical icons indicating at least one set of the cardsA-N. During the round of gameplay, the user can provide user input at the user deviceA, such as clicking or selecting one or more of the cardsA-N, which can cause the user deviceA to present instructions associated with the selected cardA (e.g., as a visual overlay, a pop-out window, etc.) to the user. The card instructions can instruct the user to stack 2 modular piecesA-N on top of each other then put the stacked modular piecesA-N on a conveyor belt presented at the first section of the pre-marked surfaceat the user deviceA. The user can provide user input indicating selection of the 2 modular piecesA-N from visual elements presented at the GUI display of the user deviceA and dragging of the 2 modular piecesA-N into a formation on the GUI display that represents a stacking action. Once stacked, the user can provide user input at the user deviceA to drag the stacked modular piecesA-N to the conveyor belt. The user may provide additionally user input to move the stacked modular piecesA-N across the conveyor belt until the stacked modular piecesA-N are positioned at an end of the conveyor belt presented at the user deviceA. At this point, the computer systemcan generate additional instructions that cause the user deviceA to stop presenting the stacked modular piecesA-N at the user deviceA and cause another user deviceB presenting a next section of the pre-marked surface(e.g., refer to the section described in) to present the stacked modular piecesA-N on a conveyor belt at the next section of the pre-marked surface.

704 714 702 704 704 714 714 704 702 704 706 704 714 706 704 714 In some implementations, once the user provides user input at the user deviceA to put the stacked modular piecesA-N on the conveyor belt, the computer systemcan provide updated instructions to the user deviceA that causes the user deviceA to present a visual display of the stacked modular piecesA-N automatically moving (e.g., at a predetermined rate or speed) along the conveyor belt until the stacked modular piecesA-N disappear from presentation at the user deviceA. The computer systemcan then provide instructions to the another user deviceB that is presenting the next section of the pre-marked surfaceto cause the another user deviceB to present a visual display of the stacked modular piecesA-N moving along the conveyor belt presented with the next section of the pre-marked surface. The user at the another user deviceB can then provide user input indicating actions performed with those stacked modular piecesA-N, as described herein.

704 724 704 702 726 Once user input is received at the user device(s)A-N (block C,), the user device(s)A-N can transmit the user input to the computer system(block D,).

702 728 702 704 720 722 728 The computer systemcan determine outcomes based on the received user input in block E (). Based on the determined outcomes, the computer systemcan generate and transmit additional instructions to the user device(s)A-N (block A,), and repeat blocks B-E (-) until the round of gameplay is complete/ends.

728 704 714 702 704 714 704 Determining the outcomes in block E () can include generating instructions for the user device(s)A-N based on the user actions provided by the user input. For example, if the user provides user input indicating placement of the stacked modular piecesA-N on the conveyor belt, the computer systemcan use this input to generate instructions that cause the user deviceA to show a visual representation of the stacked modular piecesA-N moving automatically across the conveyor belt presented at the GUI display of the user deviceA.

728 728 702 728 9 FIG. Determining the outcomes in block E () can also include scoring each of the users and/or groups of users at the end of each round of gameplay, based on the actions they performed during the round of gameplay. Refer tofor further discussion about scoring the round of gameplay. As another example, determining the outcomes in block E () can include generating at least one recommendation, based at least in part on the actions performed by the user or a group of users during the round of gameplay, about how the user or group of users can improve their actions for implementation in the real-world distribution center(s). One or more other operations described herein can be performed by the computer systemas part of determining the outcomes in block E ().

8 FIGS.A-B 8 FIGS.A-B illustrate example instruction instruments used with the disclosed techniques for demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center. The instruction instruments inare merely illustrative and non-limiting. Additional, fewer, or other types of instructions can be provided by the instruction instruments described herein.

8 FIGS.A-B 2 FIG. 800 800 200 102 800 200 102 800 Referring to both, a set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing inbound actions at a high flow manual dock. The set of cardsA-N can be used by a user assigned to the first sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include a card with instructions for a user to stack one or more modular pieces that represent non-conveyable items with at least one modular piece representing a pallet then move the stacked modular pieces onto a particular conveyor belt presented at the first sectionof the pre-marked surface. Another example card can include instructions for the user to stack a particular modular piece (or multiple modular pieces) representing conveyable items on a modular piece associated with a particular store and/or a modular piece representing a pallet, then move the stacked pieces to a particular conveyor belt. Another example card can include instructions for the user to stack one or more modular pieces representing breakpack item(s) and supplies in the distribution center, such as pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces to a particular conveyor belt. Another example card can include instructions for the user to select another card amongst the cardsA-N.

802 802 200 102 802 200 102 800 2 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing inbound actions at a high flow ART. The set of cardsA-N can be used by a user assigned to the first sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include a card with instructions for a user to stack one or more modular pieces that represent conveyable items with at least one modular piece representing a pallet then move the stacked modular pieces to the ART presented at the first sectionof the pre-marked surface. Another example card can include instructions for the user to stack a particular modular piece (or multiple modular pieces) representing conveyable items on a modular piece associated with a particular store and/or a modular piece representing a pallet, then move the stacked pieces to the ART. Another example card can include instructions for the user to stack one or more modular pieces representing breakpack item(s) and supplies in the distribution center, such as pallets, then move the stacked modular pieces to the ART. Another example card can include instructions for the user to select another card amongst the cardsA-N.

804 804 300 102 804 200 102 300 102 200 102 300 102 3 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing warehousing/storing actions with non-conveyable items in the distribution center. The set of cardsA-N can be used by a user assigned to the second sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include a card with instructions for a user to stack one or more modular pieces that represent non-conveyable items (such as the modular pieces that represent non-conveyable items that are received from the user at the first sectionof the pre-marked surface) with at least one modular piece representing a pallet then move the stacked modular pieces to a designated location presented at the sectionof the pre-marked surface. Another example card can include instructions for the user to stack one or more modular pieces that represent non-conveyable items (such as the modular pieces that represent non-conveyable items that are received from the user at the first sectionof the pre-marked surface) with at least one modular piece representing a case, cage, or carton air, then move the stacked modular pieces to a designated location presented at the sectionof the pre-marked surface.

806 806 300 102 806 200 102 300 102 200 102 300 102 3 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing warehousing/storing actions with conveyable items in the distribution center. The set of cardsA-N can be used by the user assigned to the second sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include a card with instructions for the user to stack one or more modular pieces that represent conveyable items (such as the modular pieces that represent conveyable items that are received from the user at the first sectionof the pre-marked surface) with a modular piece representing a particular store and/or at least one modular piece representing a pallet, then move the stacked modular pieces to a designated location presented at the sectionof the pre-marked surface. Another example card can include instructions for the user to stack one or more modular pieces that represent conveyable items (such as the modular pieces that represent conveyable items that are received from the user at the first sectionof the pre-marked surface) with a modular piece representing a particular store and/or at least one modular piece representing a case, cage, or carton air, then move the stacked modular pieces to a designated location presented at the sectionof the pre-marked surface.

808 808 500 102 808 5 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing packing actions with items in the distribution center. The set of cardsA-N can be used by a user assigned to the fourth sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include cards indicating in which store packing mod(s) the user should stack modular pieces to represent packing items for shipment to a particular store.

810 810 500 102 810 5 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing breakpacking actions with items in the distribution center. The set of cardsA-N can be used by the user assigned to the fourth sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include cards indicating whether the user should perform breakpacking actions with modular pieces representing full pallets or modular pieces representing cases, cages, or carton airs.

812 812 600 102 812 6 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing outbound actions with items in the distribution center. The set of cardsA-N can be used by a user assigned to the fifth sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can include cards indicating whether the user should be performing loading actions for outbound shipment with modular pieces representing non-conveyable items or modular pieces representing conveyable items.

814 814 600 102 814 6 FIG. A set of cardsA-N can include instructions for performing outbound trailer-packing actions with items in the distribution center. The set of cardsA-N can be used by the user assigned to the fifth sectionof the pre-marked surface, as described further in reference to. As illustrative examples, the cardsA-N can instruct the user to build various different shapes and/or structures using modular pieces representing items to be shipped to particular stores/customers.

9 FIG. 7 FIG. 900 702 is an example score cardfor assessing distribution operations at the distribution center using the disclosed techniques. One or more scores can be determined for each round of gameplay using techniques described throughout this disclosure. The scores can be determined per user in the round of gameplay. The scores can additionally or alternatively be determined per group or team of users in the round of gameplay. The scores can be determined automatically by a computer system, such as the computer systemdescribed in reference to. The scores can also be determined by a user, such as one of the users engaging in the round of gameplay or another user overseeing the users as they engage in the round of gameplay.

902 904 904 904 904 904 For each round(e.g., period), the user(s) can be scored based on factors including but not limited to safetyA, qualityB, deliveryC, productivityD, and units per hourN (UPH). The safety relates to the risk identified where a user (Team Member) could be injured by falling products, or mishandling products. The quality relates to the count of defects that were passed from one work cell to another. The delivery relates to the count of inventoried units (Cartons) which were not processed with a period. The productivity relates to the count of cartons shipped divided by the count of labor hours used during a period.

904 904 904 904 904 904 904 904 904 SafetyA can indicate whether and how many modular pieces fall off the pre-marked surface during gameplay, which further can represent safety of operations being performed in a real-world distribution center. QualityB can indicate a number of times (or quantity) of a defect being passed downstream to other users at other sections of the pre-marked surface. DeliveryC can indicate a count of items (e.g., modular pieces) still in play during the round of gameplay. ProductivityD can indicate how many pallets or cases (e.g., cages, carton airs) of items (e.g., stacked modular pieces) are made during a round of gameplay. UPHN can, for example, be determined based on dividing total units of items (e.g., stacked modular pieces) shipped by total labor hours used to process the units of items for shipment. UPHN can, as another example, be determined based on dividing units of items (e.g., stacked modular pieces) produced by a total number of users during the round, multiplied by an amount of time to generate the units of items by the user or users. UPHN can be a similar metric to productivityD, except that UPHN can represent outcomes from changing an amount of labor used to produce the units of items.

900 The score cardis merely meant to be illustrative. The users can be scored using other metrics. The scoring metrics can vary based on gaming implementation, such as a type of distribution center and/or operations in a particular distribution center that the users are associated with. The users may also be scored using metrics for which user/team productivity is to be assessed.

The users can undergo 4 rounds of gameplay. In some implementations, the users can partake in additional or fewer rounds of gameplay. Gameplay rules may not change during each round of gameplay. In some implementations, one or more of the rules may change. During each round of gameplay, the same instruction instruments may be used, although the instruction instruments may be randomized (e.g., sets of cards may be shuffled and/or re-shuffled, cards that were drawn in previous rounds of gameplay may be removed from the sets and/or placed at a bottom of the sets, etc.). In some implementations, one or more gameplay factors may change, such as a quantity of users engaging in the round of gameplay, whether and how many modular pieces are added to conveyor belts to represent bottlenecks or buffer inventory, etc.

902 702 7 FIG. Each round of gameplaycan serve a different purpose for the users to learn and improve their operations in a real-world distribution center. For example, a first round can have a purpose of teaching the users how to work in silos (e.g., alone). During the first round, the users may not communicate with each other. Each user can perform actions with the modular pieces in an effort to achieve a highest throughput and clear their queue of actions to be performed before the round ends. They can perform these actions without seeking guidance or assistance from the other users. After the first round, the users can identify silos, such as which users had the highest throughput when working alone. The users can then identify ways in which efficiency in silos can be translated into entire department and/or team efficiency. In some implementations, assessment of the first round of gameplay can be performed/determined automatically, such as by the computer systemdescribed in.

A second round can be associated with learning lessons via a Heijunka school of thought to reduce waste and increase volume. During the second round, output can be constrained while still requiring the users to efficiently clear their queues of actions to be performed without communicating with each other. Constrains can be placed on the users by, for example, requiring a user first at the first section of the pre-marked surface to only use their non-dominant hand to perform actions, such as picking cards, picking modular pieces, stacking modular pieces, and moving the modular pieces around the first section of the pre-marked surface. In some implementations, a winner of the first round can be required to throttle down their inbound team, thereby reducing their throughput during the second round of gameplay. After the second round, the users can identify ways in which level setting batches, waves, and/or queues can smooth workflow and improve overall output.

10 FIG. A third round can be associated with learning lessons by managing work in progress (WIPs), increasing communication amongst users, introducing Andons, and sharing demand signals. Users can learn values in upper and lower control limits. The users can identify queues of actions to be performed on the pre-marked surface and discuss amongst each other how to reduce those queues efficiently. An Andon is an alert sent by a user (team member) that there is a process or systemic defect that is causing safety, quality or throughput disruptions. It can be used as a trigger to stop work until the issue is resolved. Standard Work In Progress (SWIP) can be introduced in the third round of gameplay, which may reduce idle time (e.g., downtime described in) across one or more sections (e.g., departments) represented at the pre-marked surface. The Standard Work In Process (SWIP) is the minimal amount of work required to keep a work cell operational. SWIP has a lower and upper control limit. Inventory in excess of the upper control limit is considered excessive and adds to the total Work In Process. WIP is the total of all inventory that is actively moving through a distribution center, and is inclusive of SWIP.

For example, during the third round of gameplay, modular pieces representing buffer inventory can be placed at one or more locations along conveyor belts on the pre-marked surface to represent bottlenecks and increased volume in a supply chain. After the third round of gameplay, the users can efficiently identify bottlenecks and call those issues out to other users to strategically manage different levels of volume that may exist in the real-world distribution center.

A fourth round of gameplay can allow the users to identify constraints and solve those constraints as a team to maximize throughput and output. The users can take lessons learned from the prior rounds and communicate and work together during the fourth round to identify planning gaps, bottlenecks, resource constraints, and execute simple yet efficient problem-solving techniques. For example, the users can, as a team, pull Andons, pause labor, and/or move labor. An operations director (OD, a leader that provides the strategy for a shift and is accountable for the total performance of a shift) can be introduced in the fourth round to assist in making real-time operational changes to balance and optimize workflow. The OD can introduce changes such as instructing the first user at the first section of the pre-marked surface to use both their hands to perform actions at the first section of the pre-marked surface. As another example, the OD can introduce changes such as instructing one or more other users to perform actions at a slower temp/speed and/or reduce WIP.

900 902 702 The score cardand lessons learned in each of the roundscan help the users learn what changes they can make to their actions in the real-world distribution center to improve productivity, perform actions better, reduce costs, and/or lower waste of inventory/labor/other resources. For example, the users can identify and learn ways in which to reduce one or more of the following forms of waste: defects, over production, waiting/downtime, not utilizing labor, transportation, inventory/items, motion/movement, and/or excess processing. Sometimes, actions performed during each round of gameplay can also be compared (e.g., by the users and/or by the computer system) to actual, real-world execution of similar actions in real-world distribution centers to identify improvements and/or adjustments that can be made to the real-world distribution center to widen a workflow and draw more inventory through the distribution center without adding more workers or other resources to that distribution center.

10 FIG. 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 illustrate example downtime chartsA-N for assessing distribution operations at a distribution center. More particularly, the downtime chartsA-N can represent downtime of users during each round of gameplay using the disclosed techniques. Downtime can indicate when a user(s) did not have actions to perform during the round of gameplay. As a result, the user(s) is idle, may be inefficient, and/or may be over-productive (e.g., by working too quickly on performing some actions). The chartsA-N can be used to visually identify when users experience overproduction and/or downtime. The chartsA-N can be used to visually identify which sections (e.g., departments) of the pre-marked surface described herein experience the most overproduction and/or downtime. Moreover, the chartsA-N can be used to visually identify how downtime may change per round, such as the downtime being passed along to other sections (e.g., departments) of the pre-marked surface as the rounds progress. Sometimes, when downtime passes from one section to the next as the rounds progress, this can indicate improved productivity and/or improvements in overall workflow.

1000 1004 1002 1000 1002 1004 1002 1004 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1002 As an illustrative example, the downtime chartsA-N can include a midpoint line, which can indicate where productivity is expected to be for the users during a round of gameplay. Line sectionin the downtime chartsA-N represents downtime and thus reduced productivity. Portions of the line sectionthat are above the midpoint linecan indicate overproduction while portions of the line sectionthat are below the midpoint linecan indicate downtime. As shown between the chartsA andB,B andC, andC andN, the line sectionboth gets smaller and moves along the respective chart. This indicates that as the rounds progress, the users are learning how to efficiently deal with workflow issues, such as bottlenecks, thereby reducing overall downtime/overproduction and improving efficiency by opening up the workflow pipeline.

1000 900 1000 702 1000 9 FIG. The chartsA-N can be generated by tallying or counting how many times a user experiences a work/task/action stoppage in their assigned section of the pre-marked surface. This tally or count can be captured in a user's score card, such as the score carddepicted and described in reference to. Another user can transfer the tallies and/or counts for all the users in the round of gameplay to a graph, such as the chartsA-N. In some implementations, a computer system, such as the computer systemcan automatically determine the tally or count and/or generate the chartsA-N.

11 FIG. 1 FIG. 1100 1100 100 100 1100 100 1100 100 1100 illustrates another example systemfor demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center. The systemcan be similar to the systemdescribed in at least. The systemsandcan, however, be used to demonstrate distribution operations in different types of distribution centers. For example, the systemcan be used to demonstrate distribution operations in a distribution center that includes manual operations and/or equipment that is manually operated by users/workers. The system, on the other hand, can be used to demonstrate distribution operations in distribution centers that are set up/arranged to include more automation techniques and/or automated equipment, such as automated item-packing systems. Although the systemsandmay be used to demonstrate distribution operations in different types/implementations of distribution centers, users can engage in similar or same rounds of gameplay using the disclosed techniques in order to learn and improve workflows and optimize efficiency in their respective real-world distribution centers.

1100 1100 1102 114 112 114 108 110 112 11 FIG. 1 FIG. Referring to the systemin, the systemcan include a pre-marked surface, the instruction instrumentsA-N, and the modular piecesA-N. The instruction instrumentsA-N can include the cardsA-N and/or the diceA-N described at least in reference to. The modular piecesA-N can be the same as or similar to any of the modular pieces described throughout this disclosure.

1102 1104 1104 1102 1102 The pre-marked surfacecan include multiple sectionsA-D. Each of the sectionsA-N can represent a different zone, department, sub-process, and/or sub-workflow in the distribution center that is represented by the pre-marked surface. The pre-marked surfacecan include additional, different, or fewer sections, depending on a particular setup of the distribution center.

1102 1104 1104 1104 1104 1104 500 1104 1104 1104 1104 1104 600 The example pre-marked surfaceincludes 4 sections. The first sectionA represents a breakpacking area of the distribution center. The second sectionB represents a breakpack staging and/or conveyance area in the distribution center. The third sectionC represents an induction area in the distribution center. The fourth sectionD represents an outbound area in the distribution center. The sectionA is breakpack, operated the same as the section. The sectionsB andC are a process named Auto Rebin, which is packing system that can be automated or manual. The sectionsB andC are limited to a number (e.g., 8) of distribution centers that have this system. The sectionD is the same as sectionidentified earlier as outbound.

1104 102 1104 102 1104 1104 1104 1104 1104 1104 1104 1104 One or more of the sectionsA-D can include similar or same warehouse/distribution center components and/or equipment, as depicted on the pre-marked surfaceand described throughout this disclosure. For example, at least one conveyor belt can be visually represented as extending across at least a portion of the sectionsA-D of the pre-marked surface. One or more of the sectionsA-D may also include staging or work in progress areas (e.g., breakpack work in progress area in the sectionA, breakpack staging area in the sectionB), empty cages and/or empty pallets, process boards, presort decant areas (see sectionB), tote or other conveyance systems (see sectionB), manual and automated induction systems (see sectionC), manual and automated induction mods (see sectionC, and/or shipment areas, trucks, and/or trailers (see sectionD).

1100 100 9 FIG. In some implementations, users can engage in 4 rounds of gameplay using the system. Refer tofor further discussion about the rounds of gameplay. In some implementations, the users can perform actions with modular pieces that represent cages (e.g., cases, carton airs), totes, work in progress (WIP) totes or cages, and/or manual and/or automated packing mods (whereas with the system, the users may perform actions with modular pieces that represent cages and pallets).

12 FIGS.A-B 1200 1200 1200 702 1200 1200 is a flowchart of a processfor demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center using the disclosed techniques. The processcan be performed by one or more users engaging in rounds of gameplay to simulate and learn distribution operations at the real-world distribution center. In some implementations, the processcan be performed by the computer systemdescribed herein. The processcan also be performed by one or more other computing systems, devices, computers, networks, cloud-based systems, and/or cloud-based services. For illustrative purposes, the processis described agnostically so as not to be tied to a particular user and/or computer system.

1200 1202 102 1102 12 FIGS.A-B 1 FIG. 11 FIG. 2 6 FIGS.- Referring to the processin both, a pre-marked surface having a plurality of sections is provided in block. The pre-marked surface can be the pre-marked surfaceofand/or the pre-marked surfaceof. The pre-marked surface can be any other type of pre-marked surface that represents a workflow in a distribution center. The plurality of sections can represent various distribution operations at the distribution center and can be configured to be assigned to a plurality of users who demonstrate the distribution operations (e.g., users who engage in the distribution operations in a real-world distribution center). For example, the first section may correspond to an inbound department at the distribution center, the second section may correspond to a storing department at the distribution center, the third section may correspond to a picking department at the distribution center, the fourth section may correspond to a packing department at the distribution center, and the fifth section may correspond to an outbound department at the distribution center. The plurality of users may include first, second, third, fourth, and fifth users, and the plurality of sections can include first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sections that are assigned to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth users respectively. Refer tofor further discussion about the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface.

1204 In block, a plurality of instruction instruments can be provided (e.g., to users) that are configured to be selected by a first user of the plurality of users. The instruction instruments can be randomly selected by the users. Each instruction instrument can be configured to initiate one of the plurality of users to perform an action at one of the plurality of sections that is assigned to the one of the plurality of users. The action can be configured to cause another of the plurality of users to take an action at another of the plurality of sections, where the action of the another of the plurality of users can be based on the action performed by the one of the plurality of users. The plurality of instruction instruments can include a plurality of cards providing instructions that can be configured to initiate the plurality of users to perform actions at the plurality of sections. The plurality of instruction instruments can additionally or alternatively include one or more die. In some implementations, the plurality of instruction instruments can include instructions configured to initiate the plurality of users to perform actions that correspond to real-life scenarios of inbound components for the distribution center.

1206 A plurality of modular pieces can also be provided that are configured to be interlocked with each other and delivered across the pre-marked surface by the plurality of users (block). The plurality of modular pieces can represent components at the distribution center. The components at the distribution center represented by the plurality of modular pieces can include at least one of inventory, pallets, and/or warehouse equipment. The modular pieces can be interlocked with each other at the plurality of sections and delivered across the plurality of sections based at least in part on selection of the plurality of instruction instruments that are associated with each of the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface. The plurality of modular pieces can be stackable bricks. Actions performed by at least one of the plurality of users can include stacking the bricks according to instructions provided by an instruction instrument amongst the plurality of instruction instruments that is randomly selected by the at least one of the plurality of users. Moreover, the plurality of modular pieces can be different colors and different sizes. The different colors and the different sizes can each indicate at least one of units of inventory at the distribution center, quantity of the inventory at the distribution center, size of the inventory at the distribution center, a store, type of supplies used at the distribution center as part of the workflow, and/or type of the inventory at the distribution center.

1208 The first user can be caused to select a first instruction instrument in block. This action can begin a round of gameplay at the pre-marked surface for the plurality of users.

1210 In block, the first user can be caused to perform an action with at least one modular piece based on the selected first instruction instrument.

1212 The first user can also be caused to deliver the modular piece(s) onto a conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface (block). In some implementations, the plurality of users may include a sixth user, and the interlocked modular pieces can be assigned to the sixth user and delivered, by the sixth user, to each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sections (e.g., once the first user delivers the modular piece(s), such as interlocked modular pieces, onto the conveyor belt). Therefore, the sixth user can be caused to deliver modular pieces and/or interlocked/stacked modular pieces on the conveyor belt across multiple sections of the pre-marked surface (instead of or in addition to causing the user assigned to the particular section to move the modular pieces across the conveyor belt represented at their section).

1208 1212 As an illustrative example of blocks-, the first section at the pre-marked surface can include visual elements that depict: (i) at least one store, (ii) an automated conveyor belt that can be configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces and extend across at least the first section and the second section, (iii) a manual dock, and (iv) a manual dock pallet staging area. The plurality of instruction instruments at the first section can include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the first user at the first section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the manual dock depicted on the pre-marked surface. As another example, the plurality of instruction instruments at the first section can include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the first user at the first section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the automated conveyor belt depicted on the pre-marked surface.

As an illustrative example, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces can be configured to: cause the first user to select a threshold quantity of the plurality of modular pieces that satisfy one or more color and size criteria provided by the selected instruction instrument, and cause the first user to stack the selected threshold quantity of the plurality of modular pieces into a brick that is provided by the selected instruction instrument. The brick can represent inventory that is ingested into the distribution center and delivered across the plurality of sections at the pe-marked surface to represent movement of the inventory through the distribution center.

As yet another example, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces can cause the first user to move a modular piece having a first size and a first color onto an automated conveyor system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface, the modular piece representing a breakpack flow in the workflow for the distribution center. As another example, the first user can be caused to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with a second modular piece having a second color and a second size and move the interlocked modular pieces onto an automated conveyor system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface, the interlocked modular pieces representing a conveyable flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

As yet another example, the first user can be caused to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with a second modular piece having a second color and a second size and move the interlocked modular pieces onto a manual dock system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface. The interlocked modular pieces can represent a breakpack flow in the workflow for the distribution center. The interlocked modular pieces can represent a non-conveyable flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

As another example, the first user can be caused to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with (i) a second modular piece having a second color and a second size and (ii) a third modular piece having a third color and a third size, and move the interlocked modular pieces onto a manual dock system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface, the interlocked modular pieces representing a conveyable flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

1214 The first user can be caused to select a next instruction instrument in block.

1216 In block, the first user can be caused to perform a next action with another modular piece based on the selected next instruction instrument.

1218 1218 1216 A next user that is assigned to a next section of the pre-marked surface can be caused to select an instruction instrument associated with the next section (block). Blockcan be performed before, during, or after block. The next user at the next section can be the second user assigned to the second section at the pre-marked surface.

1220 1218 In block, the next user can be caused to perform an action with the modular piece(s) at the next section of the pre-marked surface based on the instruction instrument that the next user selected in block.

1218 1220 As an illustrative example of at least blocks-, the second section can include visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt that can be configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the first section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the second section to the third section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) non-conveyable aisles, and (iii) conveyable aisles. The plurality of instruction instruments at the second section can include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the second user at the second section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the non-conveyable aisles depicted on the pre-marked surface. The plurality of instruction instruments at the second section can include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the second user at the second section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the conveyable aisles depicted on the pre-marked surface.

As an illustrative example, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces can further be configured to: cause the second user to select, from amongst a second plurality of instruction instruments, a first instruction instrument configured to cause the second user to perform an action at the section that is assigned to the second user, cause the second user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the first instruction instrument, and responsive to performing the action, cause the second user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces onto the conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface to a section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to the third user (e.g., the third section).

As another example, the second user can be caused to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with a second modular piece having a second color and a second size. The interlocked modular pieces can represent a full pallet that is non-conveyable at the distribution center. The interlocked modular pieces can represent a carton air that is non-conveyable at the distribution center. As yet another example, the second user can be caused to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with (i) a second modular piece having a second color and a second size and (ii) a third modular piece having a third color and a third size.

1222 1200 1208 1200 1208 1220 It can be determined whether the round of gameplay has finished in block. If the round of gameplay has not finished, the processcan return to block. The processcan iterate through blocks-at each of the sections of the pre-marked surface until the round of gameplay ends (e.g., a predetermined amount of time for playing the round has ended, one or more of the plurality of users have completed all their queued actions at their assigned sections, at least one of the users such as the first user has run out of instruction instruments to choose from, etc.). Moreover, as described above, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces can further be configured to: cause the second user to select, from amongst the second plurality of instruction instruments, a next instruction instrument to perform a next action with the another of the plurality of modular pieces at the second section of the pre-marked surface.

1208 1216 The blocks-can be performed by each user at each of the sections of the pre-marked surface during the round of gameplay. As an illustrative example, the third section can include visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt that can be configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the second section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the third section to the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) a full pallet staging area, (iii) a carton air staging area, and (iv) a re-palletization line. The plurality of instruction instruments at the third section can include a die that can be configured to be rolled, by the third user at the third section, to determine a zone amongst a plurality of zones at the re-palletization line depicted on the pre-marked surface, the zone being configured to allow the third user to perform at least one repalletization action with the plurality of modular pieces. Providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces can further be configured to: cause the third user to roll the die to determine a zone represented at the section that is assigned to the third user at which to perform an action with the plurality of modular pieces, cause the third user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces in the zone that is determined based on rolling the die, and responsive to performing the action, cause the third user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces via the conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface to a section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to the fourth user (e.g., the fourth section). Providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces may also cause, as described above, the third user to roll the die to determine a zone represented at the section that is assigned to the third user at which to perform a next action with the another of the plurality of modular pieces.

As another illustrative example, during the round of gameplay, the fourth section can include visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt that can be configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the third section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section to a packing area depicted in the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) break pack aisles, and (iii) the packing area. The packing area can be configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces that are ready to be transported to a designated store of a plurality of stores for receiving inventory, the inventory being represented by the plurality of modular pieces. The packing area may include a plurality of mods, each of the plurality of mods being assigned to a store amongst the plurality of stores. The plurality of instruction instruments at the fourth section can include a first subset of cards providing instructions, to the fourth user at the fourth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including breakpacking actions. The plurality of instruction instruments at the fourth section can additionally or alternatively include a second subset of cards providing instructions, to the fourth user at the fourth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that include packing actions. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of instruction instruments further can include a die that can be configured to be rolled, by the fourth user at the fourth section, to determine a zone depicted in the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, the zone being configured to allow the fourth user to perform the actions with the plurality of modular pieces.

Moreover, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces may also: cause the fourth user to select, from amongst a third plurality of instruction instruments, a first instruction instrument to cause the fourth user to perform an action at the section that is assigned to the fourth user, cause the fourth user to roll a die to determine a zone at the section that is assigned to the fourth user at which to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces, cause the fourth user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the first instruction instrument in the zone that is determined based on rolling the die, and responsive to performing the action, cause the fourth user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces to a packing mod depicted at the pre-marked surface, the packing mod corresponding to a store that is designated to receive inventory represented by the plurality of modular pieces.

As yet another illustrative example, the fifth section may include visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt that can be configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section to the fifth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) a non-conveyable staging area, and (iii) conveyor aisles that each correspond to a particular store for which the plurality of modular pieces are to be shipped in an outbound shipment from the distribution center. The plurality of instruction instruments at the fifth section can include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the fifth user at the fifth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that include performing outbound shipment actions and trailer shipment actions.

Moreover, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces can: cause the fifth user to select, from amongst a fourth plurality of instruction instruments, a first instruction instrument to cause the fifth user to perform an action at the section that is assigned to the fifth user, cause the fifth user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the first instruction instrument, and responsive to performing the action, cause the fifth user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces to a conveyor aisle depicted at the pre-marked surface that corresponds to a particular store for which the plurality of modular pieces are to be shipped in an outbound shipment from the distribution center.

1222 1224 9 10 FIGS.- Referring back to block, if the round of gameplay has finished, then the plurality of users can be caused to score their performance for that round (block). For example, the system described herein can include an evaluation system that can be configured to evaluate performance of the plurality of users. The performance can be calculated based on the plurality of modular pieces being delivered across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface, the performance representing at least one of safety, quality, delivery, and/or productivity. Sometimes, for example, performance can be calculated based on units per hours. Scoring the performance of the plurality of users can include generating a downtime chart based on identifying times during the round of gameplay at which a work stoppage occurs while delivering the plurality of modular pieces across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface. The times can represent times of overproduction and times of downtime amongst the plurality of users. A dip or spike in the downtime chart may represent at least one bottleneck experienced by the plurality of users while delivering the plurality of modular pieces across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface. Refer tofor further discussion about scoring and assessing the performance of the plurality of users during each round of gameplay.

1226 1200 1202 Optionally, the plurality of users can also be caused to begin another round of gameplay (block). Beginning another round of gameplay can cause the processto be performed again from the start, at block.

In a first round of four illustrative rounds of gameplay, a user amongst the plurality of users can win the first round based on performing actions with the plurality of modular pieces responsive to selecting instruction instruments amongst the plurality of instruction instruments more efficiently than other users amongst the plurality of users performing other actions with the plurality of modular pieces. In a second round of the four rounds, the user who won the first round can be instructed to remove a threshold quantity of users from the sections depicted on the pre-marked surface to remove waste and increase throughput in the workflow at the distribution center. In a third round of the four rounds, at least one of the plurality of modular pieces can be used as buffer inventory and placed along the workflow at the distribution center in at least one of the plurality of sections depicted on the pre-marked surface. In a fourth round of the four rounds, the plurality of users can be instructed to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that optimize operations in the workflow at the distribution center based on outcomes of the first, second, and third rounds.

7 FIG. 1202 1206 1208 1210 1212 1200 In some implementations, as described in reference to, the system can include a computing system and a plurality of user devices in communication with the computing system over a network. The computing system can be configured to transmit, to at least one of the plurality of user devices, instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one of the plurality of user devices to present in a graphical user interface (GUI) display electronic versions of (i) the pre-marked surface, (ii) the plurality of instruction instruments, and (iii) the plurality of modular pieces (blocks-). The at least one of the plurality of user devices can be configured to: receive first user input indicating selection of an instruction instrument amongst the plurality of instruction instruments (block), receive second user input indicating an action performed with the plurality of modular pieces according to the selected instruction instrument (block), and transmit, to the computing system, at least the second user input. The computing system can then be configured to deliver the plurality of modular pieces across a plurality of sections at the electronic version of the pre-marked surface based at least in part on the second user input (block). Accordingly, the processcan be performed in an implementation that includes the computing system, the plurality of user devices, and the electronic version of the pre-marked surface described herein.

13 FIG. 1300 1300 shows an example of a computing deviceand an example of a mobile computing device that can be used to implement the techniques described here. The computing deviceis intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. The mobile computing device is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart-phones, and other similar computing devices. The components shown here, their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant to be exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementations of the inventions described and/or claimed in this document.

1300 1302 1304 1306 1308 1304 1310 1312 1314 1306 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1302 1300 1304 1306 1316 1308 The computing deviceincludes a processor, a memory, a storage device, a high-speed interfaceconnecting to the memoryand multiple high-speed expansion ports, and a low-speed interfaceconnecting to a low-speed expansion portand the storage device. Each of the processor, the memory, the storage device, the high-speed interface, the high-speed expansion ports, and the low-speed interface, are interconnected using various busses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processorcan process instructions for execution within the computing device, including instructions stored in the memoryor on the storage deviceto display graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device, such as a displaycoupled to the high-speed interface. In other implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses can be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices can be connected, with each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

1304 1300 1304 1304 1304 The memorystores information within the computing device. In some implementations, the memoryis a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memoryis a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memorycan also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

1306 1300 1306 1304 1306 1302 The storage deviceis capable of providing mass storage for the computing device. In some implementations, the storage devicecan be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product can also contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can also be tangibly embodied in a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory, the storage device, or memory on the processor.

1308 1300 1312 1308 1304 1316 1310 1312 1306 1314 1314 The high-speed interfacemanages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device, while the low-speed interfacemanages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is exemplary only. In some implementations, the high-speed interfaceis coupled to the memory, the display(e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, the low-speed interfaceis coupled to the storage deviceand the low-speed expansion port. The low-speed expansion port, which can include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) can be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g., through a network adapter.

1300 1320 1322 1324 1300 1350 1300 1350 The computing devicecan be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server, or multiple times in a group of such servers. In addition, it can be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer. It can also be implemented as part of a rack server system. Alternatively, components from the computing devicecan be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as a mobile computing device. Each of such devices can contain one or more of the computing deviceand the mobile computing device, and an entire system can be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other.

1350 1352 1364 1354 1366 1368 1350 1352 1364 1354 1366 1368 The mobile computing deviceincludes a processor, a memory, an input/output device such as a display, a communication interface, and a transceiver, among other components. The mobile computing devicecan also be provided with a storage device, such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor, the memory, the display, the communication interface, and the transceiver, are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

1352 1350 1364 1352 1352 1350 1350 1350 The processorcan execute instructions within the mobile computing device, including instructions stored in the memory. The processorcan be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processorcan provide, for example, for coordination of the other components of the mobile computing device, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the mobile computing device, and wireless communication by the mobile computing device.

1352 1358 1356 1354 1354 1356 1354 1358 1352 1362 1352 1350 1362 The processorcan communicate with a user through a control interfaceand a display interfacecoupled to the display. The displaycan be, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or other appropriate display technology. The display interfacecan comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the displayto present graphical and other information to a user. The control interfacecan receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor. In addition, an external interfacecan provide communication with the processor, so as to enable near area communication of the mobile computing devicewith other devices. The external interfacecan provide, for example, for wired communication in some implementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces can also be used.

1364 1350 1364 1374 1350 1372 1374 1350 1350 1374 1374 1350 1350 The memorystores information within the mobile computing device. The memorycan be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unit or units. An expansion memorycan also be provided and connected to the mobile computing devicethrough an expansion interface, which can include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memorycan provide extra storage space for the mobile computing device, or can also store applications or other information for the mobile computing device. Specifically, the expansion memorycan include instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above, and can include secure information also. Thus, for example, the expansion memorycan be provide as a security module for the mobile computing device, and can be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of the mobile computing device. In addition, secure applications can be provided via the SIMM cards, along with additional information, such as placing identifying information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

1364 1374 1352 1368 1362 The memory can include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory), as discussed below. In some implementations, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can be a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory, the expansion memory, or memory on the processor. In some implementations, the computer program product can be received in a propagated signal, for example, over the transceiveror the external interface.

1350 1366 1366 1368 1370 1350 1350 The mobile computing devicecan communicate wirelessly through the communication interface, which can include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary. The communication interfacecan provide for communications under various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls (Global System for Mobile communications), SMS (Short Message Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), or MMS messaging (Multimedia Messaging Service), CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000, or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), among others. Such communication can occur, for example, through the transceiverusing a radio-frequency. In addition, short-range communication can occur, such as using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). In addition, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver modulecan provide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to the mobile computing device, which can be used as appropriate by applications running on the mobile computing device.

1350 1360 1360 1350 1350 The mobile computing devicecan also communicate audibly using an audio codec, which can receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codeccan likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device. Such sound can include sound from voice telephone calls, can include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and can also include sound generated by applications operating on the mobile computing device.

1350 1380 1382 The mobile computing devicecan be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a cellular telephone. It can also be implemented as part of a smart-phone, personal digital assistant, or other similar mobile device.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms machine-readable medium and computer-readable medium refer to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term machine-readable signal refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described here can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the systems and techniques described here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

According to implementations of the present disclosure, a system for demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center includes a pre-marked surface representing a workflow for the distribution center, the pre-marked surface defining a plurality of sections that represent the distribution operations at the distribution center and are configured to be assigned to a plurality of users who demonstrate the distribution operations; a plurality of instruction instruments configured to be randomly selected by the plurality of users, each instruction instrument being configured to initiate one of the plurality of users to perform an action at one of the plurality of sections that is assigned to the one of the plurality of users, the action being configured to cause another of the plurality of users to take an action at another of the plurality of sections; and a plurality of modular pieces representing components at the distribution center and configured to, based on selection of the plurality of instruction instruments, be interlocked with each other at the plurality of sections and delivered across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a plurality of cards providing instructions configured to initiate the plurality of users to perform actions at the plurality of sections.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a die.

In the system, the plurality of users include first, second, third, fourth, and fifth users, and the plurality of sections includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sections that are assigned to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth users respectively.

In the system, the plurality of users include a sixth user, and the interlocked modular pieces are assigned to the sixth user and delivered, by the sixth user, to each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sections.

In the system, the first section corresponds to an inbound department at the distribution center, the second section corresponds to a storing department at the distribution center, the third section corresponds to a picking department at the distribution center, the fourth section corresponds to a packing department at the distribution center, and the fifth section corresponds to an outbound department at the distribution center.

In the system, the first section includes visual elements that depict: (i) at least one store, (ii) an automated conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces and extend across at least the first section and the second section, (iii) a manual dock, and (iv) a manual dock pallet staging area.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the first user at the first section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the manual dock depicted on the pre-marked surface.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the first user at the first section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the automated conveyor belt depicted on the pre-marked surface.

In the system, the second section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the first section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the second section to the third section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) non-conveyable aisles, and (iii) conveyable aisles.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the second user at the second section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the non-conveyable aisles depicted on the pre-marked surface.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the second user at the second section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including using the conveyable aisles depicted on the pre-marked surface.

In the system, the third section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the second section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the third section to the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) a full pallet staging area, (iii) a carton air staging area, and (iv) a re-palletization line.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments includes a die configured to be rolled, by the third user at the third section, to determine a zone amongst a plurality of zones at the re-palletization line depicted on the pre-marked surface, the zone being configured to allow the third user to perform at least one repalletization action with the plurality of modular pieces.

In the system, the fourth section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the third section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section to a packing area depicted in the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) break pack aisles, and (iii) the packing area. The packing area is configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces that are ready to be transported to a designated store of a plurality of stores for receiving inventory, the inventory being represented by the plurality of modular pieces. The packing area includes a plurality of mods. Each of the plurality of mods is assigned to a store amongst the plurality of stores.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include: a first subset of cards providing instructions, to the fourth user at the fourth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces, the actions including breakpacking actions; and a second subset of cards providing instructions, to the fourth user at the fourth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that include packing actions.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments further includes a die configured to be rolled, by the fourth user at the fourth section, to determine a zone depicted in the fourth section of the pre-marked surface, the zone being configured to allow the fourth user to perform the actions with the plurality of modular pieces.

In the system, the plurality of modular pieces are stackable bricks. The action performed by the one of the plurality of users includes stacking the bricks according to instructions provided by an instruction instrument amongst the plurality of instruction instruments that is randomly selected by the one of the plurality of users.

In the system, the plurality of modular pieces are different colors and different sizes. The different colors and the different sizes indicate at least one of units of inventory at the distribution center, quantity of the inventory at the distribution center, size of the inventory at the distribution center, a store, type of supplies used at the distribution center as part of the workflow, or type of the inventory at the distribution center.

In the system, the components at the distribution center represented by the plurality of modular pieces include at least one of inventory, pallets, or warehouse equipment.

The system further includes an evaluation system configured to evaluate performance of the plurality of users, the performance being calculated based on the plurality of modular pieces being delivered across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface, the performance representing at least one of safety, quality, delivery, or productivity.

In the system, the performance is calculated based on units per hours.

The system further includes a computing system and a plurality of user devices in communication with the computing system over a network. The computing system is configured to transmit, to at least one of the plurality of user devices, instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one of the plurality of user devices to present in a graphical user interface (GUI) display electronic versions of (i) the pre-marked surface, (ii) the plurality of instruction instruments, and (iii) the plurality of modular pieces. The at least one of the plurality of user devices is configured to: receive first user input indicating selection of an instruction instrument amongst the plurality of instruction instruments; receive second user input indicating an action performed with the plurality of modular pieces according to the selected instruction instrument; and transmit, to the computing system, at least the second user input. The computing system is configured to deliver the plurality of modular pieces across a plurality of sections at the electronic version of the pre-marked surface based at least in part on the second user input.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include instructions configured to initiate the plurality of users to perform actions that correspond to real-life scenarios of inbound components for the distribution center.

The system further includes a downtime chart, the downtime chart generated based on identifying times at which a work stoppage occurs while delivering the plurality of modular pieces across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface. The times represent times of overproduction and times of downtime amongst the plurality of users.

In the system, a dip or spike in the downtime chart represents at least one bottleneck experienced by the plurality of users while delivering the plurality of modular pieces across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface.

In the system, the fifth section includes visual elements that depict (i) a conveyor belt configured to receive the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section of the pre-marked surface and move the plurality of modular pieces from the fourth section to the fifth section of the pre-marked surface, (ii) a non-conveyable staging area, and (iii) conveyor aisles that each correspond to a particular store for which the plurality of modular pieces are to be shipped in an outbound shipment from the distribution center.

In the system, the plurality of instruction instruments include a subset of cards providing instructions, to the fifth user at the fifth section, to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that include performing outbound shipment actions and trailer shipment actions.

According to implementations of the present disclosure, a method for demonstrating distribution operations at a distribution center includes providing a pre-marked surface having a plurality of sections, wherein the plurality of sections are configured to represent the distribution operations at the distribution center; providing a plurality of instruction instruments that are configured to be selected by a first user of a plurality of users, wherein a selected instruction instrument is configured to initiate the first user to perform an action at one of the plurality of sections defined at the pre-marked surface; and providing a plurality of modular pieces that represent components at the distribution center that are configured to, based on selection of the plurality of instruction instruments, be interlocked with each other at the plurality of sections and delivered across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface. Providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the first user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the selected instruction instrument; responsive to performing the action with the plurality of modular pieces, cause the first user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces onto a conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface; cause the first user to select, from amongst the plurality of instruction instruments, a next instruction instrument to perform a next action with another of the plurality of modular pieces; and cause a second user of the plurality of users to deliver the plurality of modular pieces via the conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface to a section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to a third user.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the first user to select a threshold quantity of the plurality of modular pieces that satisfy one or more color and size criteria provided by the selected instruction instrument; and cause the first user to stack the selected threshold quantity of the plurality of modular pieces into a brick that is provided by the selected instruction instrument.

In the method, the brick represents inventory that is ingested into the distribution center and delivered across the plurality of sections at the pe-marked surface to represent movement of the inventory through the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the third user to select, from amongst a second plurality of instruction instruments, a first instruction instrument configured to cause the third user to perform an action at the section that is assigned to the third user; cause the third user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the first instruction instrument; and responsive to performing the action, cause the third user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces onto the conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface to a section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to a fourth user.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the third user to select, from amongst the second plurality of instruction instruments, a next instruction instrument to perform a next action with the another of the plurality of modular pieces.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause a fifth user of the plurality of users to deliver the plurality of gaming pieces via the conveyor belt visually represented at the pre-marked surface to the section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to the fourth user.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the fourth user to roll a die to determine a zone represented at the section that is assigned to the fourth user at which to perform an action with the plurality of modular pieces; cause the fourth user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces in the zone that is determined based on rolling the die; and responsive to performing the action, cause the fourth user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces via the conveyor belt represented at the pre-marked surface to a section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to a fifth user.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the fourth user to roll the die to determine a zone represented at the section that is assigned to the fourth user at which to perform a next action with the another of the plurality of modular pieces.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause a sixth user of the plurality of users to deliver the plurality of gaming pieces via the conveyor belt visually represented at the pre-marked surface to the section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to the fifth user.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the fifth user to select, from amongst a third plurality of instruction instruments, a first instruction instrument to cause the fifth user to perform an action at the section that is assigned to the fifth user; cause the fifth user to roll a die to determine a zone at the section that is assigned to the fifth user at which to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces; cause the fifth user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the first instruction instrument in the zone that is determined based on rolling the die; and responsive to performing the action, cause the fifth user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces to a packing mod depicted at the pre-marked surface. The packing mod corresponds to a store that is designated to receive inventory represented by the plurality of modular pieces.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause a seventh user of the plurality of users to deliver the plurality of gaming pieces via the conveyor belt visually represented at the pre-marked surface from the packing mod depicted at the pre-marked surface to a section amongst the plurality of sections that is assigned to an eighth user.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the eighth user to select, from amongst a fourth plurality of instruction instruments, a first instruction instrument to cause the eighth user to perform an action at the section that is assigned to the eighth user; cause the eighth user to perform the action with the plurality of modular pieces based on the first instruction instrument; and responsive to performing the action, cause the eighth user to deliver the plurality of modular pieces to a conveyor aisle depicted at the pre-marked surface that corresponds to a particular store for which the plurality of modular pieces are to be shipped in an outbound shipment from the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the first user to move a modular piece having a first size and a first color onto an automated conveyor system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface. The modular piece represents a breakpack flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the first user to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with a second modular piece having a second color and a second size; and cause the first user to move the interlocked modular pieces onto an automated conveyor system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface. The interlocked modular pieces represent a conveyable flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the first user to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with a second modular piece having a second color and a second size; and cause the first user to move the interlocked modular pieces onto a manual dock system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface.

In the method, the interlocked modular pieces represent a breakpack flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

In the method, the interlocked modular pieces represent a non-conveyable flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: cause the first user to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with (i) a second modular piece having a second color and a second size and (ii) a third modular piece having a third color and a third size; and cause the first user to move the interlocked modular pieces onto a manual dock system defined at the section that is assigned to the first user at the pre-marked surface. The interlocked modular pieces represent a conveyable flow in the workflow for the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to cause the third user to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with a second modular piece having a second color and a second size.

In the method, the interlocked modular pieces represent a full pallet that is non-conveyable at the distribution center.

In the method, the interlocked modular pieces represent a carton air that is non-conveyable at the distribution center.

In the method, providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to cause the third user to interlock a first modular piece having a first color and a first size with (i) a second modular piece having a second color and a second size and (ii) a third modular piece having a third color and a third size.

In the method, the plurality of modular pieces are configured to be delivered across the plurality of sections at the pre-marked surface in four rounds. Providing the plurality of instruction instruments and the plurality of modular pieces is further configured to: in a first round of the four rounds, cause a user amongst the plurality of users to win the first round based on performing actions with the plurality of modular pieces responsive to selecting instruction instruments amongst the plurality of instruction instruments more efficiently than other users amongst the plurality of users performing other actions with the plurality of modular pieces; in a second round of the four rounds, cause the user who won the first round to remove a threshold quantity of users from the sections depicted on the pre-marked surface to remove waste and increase throughput in the workflow at the distribution center; in a third round of the four rounds, cause at least one of the plurality of modular pieces to indicate buffer inventory and be placed along the workflow at the distribution center in at least one of the plurality of sections depicted on the pre-marked surface; and in a fourth round of the four rounds, cause the plurality of users to perform actions with the plurality of modular pieces that optimize operations in the workflow at the distribution center based on outcomes of the first, second, and third rounds.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosed technology or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosed technologies. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment in part or in whole. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and/or initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Similarly, while operations may be described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.