Simulation Model of Multiple Queueing Parameters: A Case of Vehicle Maintenance System

摘要

Often, taking strategic decisions in maintenance systems are very difficult and at times impossible, because the data required are either not available or not in the right format. This study has developed a computer queueing model with an integrated set of algorithms for simulation of multiple queueing parameters. It used ITC workshop in Nigeria as a case study, which has a single channel multi-server queueing system. The developed simulation model was validated with the standard mathematical model results and found to be reliable. The structure of the software package is flexible and robust enough to accommodate any value of maximum simulation time and number of crew size as the storage capacity of the computer allows. In addition to being user friendly, performing an experiment using the simulation model is more than forty million times faster than doing it with the case study. It is also equipped with post object oriented animation and digital tracing for each discrete step of the simulation run. Hence, it is an effective queueing model pedagogical tool. With the simulation model, decision taking is made easier, requiring less data and as fast and the simulation runs.