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Customer Queuing Systems

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The Customer Queuing Systems

Luis A. Alvarado
Business 425
Instructor Dr. Bates
March 17, 2012
Abstract

In this essay, two companies will be identified and described on how they utilize a queuing system. Only two of the four most basic waiting line structures will be discussed: single-server and multiple-server waiting lines. Since waiting is an integral part of many service related operations, it is an important area of analysis. Each queue system has its advantages and disadvantages, but with no doubt each company’s goal is to cut down on the waiting time and that customer returns. In particular, we examine their implementation of both processes and try to find solutions to improve the waiting line process. …show more content…

The multiple-server waiting line approach eliminates jockeying behavior. A single-line, multiple-server system has better performance in terms of waiting times than the same system with a line for each server. The multiple-line configuration is appropriate when experienced servers are used or when space considerations make a single-line model inconvenient. On the other hand, the multiple-service line system provides the customer the option of selecting his clerk, but check-out may be considerably slower (Jones, O’Berski, & Tom, 1980, p. 91). There are many ways to minimize customer wait times. One way to reduce customer wait time is to decrease the expected service time. This can be accomplished by identifying best practices among all the servers, standardizing processes based on best practices, and enhancing training to ensure that best practices are followed. Also, you may choose to offer employee incentives that encourage working faster as a way to decrease service time. Another way to impact customer wait time is to decrease the rate at which customers arrive to be served. If your service operation experiences peak service hours at certain times of the day when your customers prefer to be served, then management could offer the customer promotions geared to increase traffic during off-peak times. Finally, by adding more servers you will be able to reduce customer wait

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