NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org


ON THE OPTIMAL LOOK AT EXPRESS LINE PERFORMANCE`

DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.17.109.1   |   Article Number: 17B4E921   |   Vol.12 (1) - May 2013

Author:  Apanapudor, J. S.

Keywords: arrival rate/ time, service time, waiting time, express lines/ways, queue models

We examine a waiting process involving checkouts in superstores where time consciousness is seriously in practise in most competitive businesses. The paper proposes a technique for assessing the influence of express lines/ways on the waiting process. An optimization model is design to minimize the mean waiting time taking into cognisance the maximum number of items/products permitted in the express line. The intent of the work is based on a real case of a do – it –yourself exclusive superstore, however the approach can be applied generally. A significant point of the paper is that the optimal operation of express lines does not improve the mean waiting time glaringly, however the influence of non-optimal operation can be very unfavourable.

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