System and method for demonstrating operations at a distribution center

A system comprising one or more computers and one or more storage devices storing instructions that when executed by the one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising:

• providing a pre-marked surface representing a workflow for the distribution center, the pre-marked surface defining a plurality of sections that represent distribution operations at the distribution center;
• assigning a plurality of users to the plurality of sections, each user being tasked with performing operations corresponding to processes in the workflow;
• receiving, by a first user at a first section, a selection of an instruction instrument, wherein the instruction instrument provides instructions configured to initiate the first user to perform an action at the first section;
• performing, by the first user, the action with a plurality of modular pieces representing components at the distribution center, wherein the action is configured to cause another user at another section to take an action;
• moving, by the first user, at least one of the modular pieces from the first section to a second section of the pre-marked surface to represent movement of items through the workflow of the distribution center;
• receiving, by a second user at the second section, the at least one modular piece and selecting another instruction instrument to perform another action with the modular pieces;
• repeating selection of instruction instruments and performance of actions by the plurality of users across the plurality of sections to simulate task performance and decision-making at each section of the workflow;
• and
• identifying, by at least one user of the plurality of users based on the actions performed by the plurality of users, one or more issues in the workflow, including bottlenecks or operational constraints, to demonstrate distribution operations at the distribution center.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein a program for causing a computer to execute a process of managing and reselling reverse items within a reverse network including automated sortation equipment, the process comprising:

• providing a pre-marked surface representing a workflow for the distribution center, the pre-marked surface defining a plurality of sections that represent distribution operations at the distribution center;
• assigning a plurality of users to the plurality of sections, each user being tasked with performing operations corresponding to processes in the workflow;
• receiving, by a first user at a first section, a selection of an instruction instrument, wherein the instruction instrument provides instructions configured to initiate the first user to perform an action at the first section;
• performing, by the first user, the action with a plurality of modular pieces representing components at the distribution center, wherein the action is configured to cause another user at another section to take an action;
• moving, by the first user, at least one of the modular pieces from the first section to a second section of the pre-marked surface to represent movement of items through the workflow of the distribution center;
• receiving, by a second user at the second section, the at least one modular piece and selecting another instruction instrument to perform another action with the modular pieces;
• repeating selection of instruction instruments and performance of actions by the plurality of users across the plurality of sections to simulate task performance and decision-making at each section of the workflow;
• and
• identifying, by at least one user of the plurality of users based on the actions performed by the plurality of users, one or more issues in the workflow, including bottlenecks or operational constraints, to demonstrate distribution operations at the distribution center.