In: Operations Management
Suppose that a parking lot replaces the human server who receives payment, with one automated machine that reads the credit-card and receives payments automatically. Assume that customer arrival rates and average service time remain the same. How will waiting time in the queue for payment be affected? Increase, Decrease, Remain the Same? Briefly explain your reasoning.
Solution:
We know that the waiting time in queue
is calculated using the formula given below,
Hence,
We can see that the waiting time in the queue is dependent only
on the arrival rate
and service rate
.
Since the arrival rate and service rate do not change after the introduction of an automated server, there will be no change in the waiting time of the customers in the queue as well.
Hence, the waiting time in the queue remains the same.