Integral Logistics Management — Operations Management and Supply Chain Management Within and Across Companies

13.7.2 Scenario: Queues as an Effect of Random Load Fluctuations (2)

Intended learning outcomes: Experience average wait time as a function of capacity utilization in a job shop environment with random arrivals, execution of operations in order of arrival as well as operation times subject to a determinate distribution with mean and coefficient of variation.



Figure 13.2.2.3 shows the average wait time as a function of capacity utilization in a job shop environment with random arrivals, execution of operations in order of arrival (or according to random selection from the queue), as well as operation times (OT) subject to a determinate distribution with mean M(OT) and coefficient of variation CV(OT). We reproduced the effect shown in Figure 13.2.2.3 by means of a simulation, which you can view at this URL:

Start the simulation by clicking on the given arrival rate and execution (service) rate on the gray button to the far left at the bottom of the figure and watch the number of elements in the system. Stop the simulation by clicking on the middle of the three buttons (or empty the system by clicking the button to the far right). Now change the input rate to bring it closer and closer to the execution rate and observe the rising number of elements in the queue. You will see the exploding number of elements in the system as soon as, for an execution rate of 60 per unit of time, the arrival rate is 58 and higher.




Course section 13.7: Subsections and their intended learning outcomes