Structure of Waiting-Line ProblemsA

Structure of Waiting-Line ProblemsAnalyzing waiting-line problems begins with a description of the situation’s basic elements. Each specific situation will have different characteristics, but four elements are common to all situations:1. An input, or customer population, that generates potential customers2. A waiting line of customers3. The service facility, consisting of a person (or crew), a machine (or group of machines), or both necessary to perform the service for the customer4. A priority rule, which selects the next customer to be served by the service facility Figure B.1 shows these basic elements. The triangles, circles, and squares are intended to show a diversity of customers with different needs. The service system describes the number of lines and the arrangement of the facilities. After the service has been performed, the served customers leave the system.