In this section, we take a look at the three parts of a queuing system: (1) the arrivals or inputs to the system (sometimes referred to as the calling population), (2) the queue or the waiting line itself, and (3) the service facility. These three components have certain characteristics that must be examined before mathematical queuing models can be developed.
Arrival Characteristics
The input source that generates arrivals or customers for the service system has three major characteristics. It is important to consider the size of the calling population, the pattern of arrivals at the queuing system, and the behavior of the arrivals.
Table 12.1 Three Rivers Shipping Company Waiting Line Cost Analysis
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