The Single-Server Waiting Line System

A single server with a single waiting line is the simplest form of queuing system. As such, it
will be used to demonstrate the fundamentals of a queuing system. As an example of this
kind of system, consider Fast Shop Market.

Fast Shop Market has one checkout counter and one employee who operates the cash
register at the checkout counter. The combination of the cash register and the operator is
the server (or service facility) in this queuing system; the customers who line up at the
counter to pay for their selections form the waiting line, or queue.

Alternate 1: Single Server, Single Phase

A waiting line (queue) where a single line of customers goes through a single waiting line
(phase) and are served by a single server. They wait in line one time for a single service.

Example: An ATM. A single line of customers lines up in front of a single machine, are
served, and then leave. They wait in line one time.

Alternate 2: Single Server, Multiple Phase

Waiting lines (queue) where customers go through multiple waiting lines (phases) and are
served by a single server per phase. They wait in line more than once for different phases
of service.

Example: Buffet restaurant. Multiple lines of customers are formed at each counter of food–
one for salad, one for dinner items, and one for deserts. A single server at each counter
serves the line for their table. Customers go through multiple lines throughout their meals.
Undefined and Constant Service Times
For example, many manufacturing operations use automated equipment or robots that have
constant service times. Thus, the single-server model with Poisson arrivals and constant
service times is a queuing variation that is of particular interest to manufacturing operations.

Constant service times occur with machinery and automated equipment.

Finite Queue Length

For some waiting line systems, the length of the queue may be limited by the physical area
in which the queue forms; space may permit only a limited number of customers to enter the
queue. Such a waiting line is referred to as a finite queue.
In a finite queue, the length of the queue is limited.
As an example of the single-server model with finite queue, consider Metro Quick Lube, a
one-bay service facility located next to a busy highway in an urban area. The facility has
space for only one vehicle in service and three vehicles lined up to wait for service. There is
no space for cars to line up on the busy adjacent highway, so if the waiting line is full (three
cars), prospective customers must drive on.

Finite Calling Population

For some waiting line systems there is a specific, limited number of potential customers that
can arrive at the service facility. This is referred to as a finite calling population. As an
example of this type of system, consider the Wheelco Manufacturing Company.

With a finite calling population the customers from which arrivals originate are limited.

Wheelco Manufacturing operates a shop that includes 20 machines. Due to the type of work
performed in the shop, there is a lot of wear and tear on the machines, and they require
frequent repair. When a machine breaks down, it is tagged for repair, with the date of the
breakdown noted and a repair person is called. The company has one senior repair person
and an assistant. They repair the machines in the same order in which they break down (a
first-in, first-out queue discipline). Machines break down according to a Poisson distribution,
and the service times are exponentially distributed.
Finite customer population The number of potential new customers is affected by the number of
customers already in the system.

For example, if you are in a class with nine other students, the total customer population for meeting
with the professor during office hours is ten students. As the number of students waiting to meet with
the professor increases, the population of possible new customers decreases. There is a finite limit as to
how large the waiting line can ever be.

The Multiple-Server Waiting Line

In multiple-server models, two or more independent servers in parallel serve a single
waiting line.

As an example of this type of system, consider the customer service department of the
Biggs Department Store. The customer service department of the store has a waiting room
in which chairs are placed along the wall, in effect forming a single waiting line. Customers
come to this area with questions or complaints or to clarify matters regarding credit card
bills. The customers are served by three store representatives, each located in a partitioned
stall. Customers are served on a first-come, first- served basis.