During certain hours every week, Central takes phone orders from distributors on a first- come-first-served basis. Records show that calls come in steadily at an average rate of 3 per minute. When the customer calls in, he selects from a recorded menu to get in the "place an order" line. There are three CSRs assigned to service these calls. Most can be handled quickly since all the data for the distributors are in the system and the distributors know the product codes and the ordering process. In fact the CSRs handle an average of 1.25 calls per minute (48 seconds per order). The Distributors have come to expect this quick turn around and Central prides itself in friendly and efficient service. But suppose that with the expected growth the arrival rate jumps 30% to 4.5 per minute. With four CSRs working at the same pace, what would be the average time in line?
What is the average number of Distributors who wait in line?
What is the average time a Distributor can expect to be in line?
What would be the average time in line if Central added a fourth CSR?
Suppose that with the expected growth the arrival rate jumps 30% to 4.5 per minute. With four CSRs working at the same pace, what would be the average time in line?