Solution for Optimal Number of Issuance Counters and Loading Bays

[sleepingneko]

Hi there everyone, need help with a work assignment which I feel is simple but I just cannot wrap my mind around it. Not too sure if this is the correct thread though, so I beg for your forgiveness if it is the wrong thread. :X

Premise:
At a certain workplace, there are 5 equipment loading bays, and 1 equipment issuance counter.

The work flow is as such:

1) Person goes to the issuance counter to draw his equipment.
2) Person goes to the equipment loading bay to load his equipment.
3) Person leaves the area.

Parameters:

A) Total number of persons
B) Time it takes for person to draw his equipment
C) Time it takes for person to load his equipment

Assumption:

The issuance counter can only handle one person at a time.

Question:

So say if I have 30 persons, and it takes 2 minutes for the person to equip his items, and 1 minute for the equipment to be issued at the counter, how long is it going to take with just 5 equipment loading bays and 1 equipment issuance counter?

I have been racking my brains as to come up with a formula for Excel so that I can vary the above-mentioned parameters and come up with an optimal ratio of equipment loading bays to equipment issuance counters…

My math is rather rusty and this is work assignment given by my boss. I have not practiced math for about 4 years since graduation and my boss is rather demanding… Sigh. Help... please?

Much thanks to anyone who can help in advance. :)

 

[I like Serena]

Hi there everyone, need help with a work assignment which I feel is simple but I just cannot wrap my mind around it. Not too sure if this is the correct thread though, so I beg for your forgiveness if it is the wrong thread. :X

Premise:
At a certain workplace, there are 5 equipment loading bays, and 1 equipment issuance counter.

The work flow is as such:

1) Person goes to the issuance counter to draw his equipment.
2) Person goes to the equipment loading bay to load his equipment.
3) Person leaves the area.

Parameters:

A) Total number of persons
B) Time it takes for person to draw his equipment
C) Time it takes for person to load his equipment

Assumption:

The issuance counter can only handle one person at a time.

Question:

So say if I have 30 persons, and it takes 2 minutes for the person to equip his items, and 1 minute for the equipment to be issued at the counter, how long is it going to take with just 5 equipment loading bays and 1 equipment issuance counter?

I have been racking my brains as to come up with a formula for Excel so that I can vary the above-mentioned parameters and come up with an optimal ratio of equipment loading bays to equipment issuance counters…

My math is rather rusty and this is work assignment given by my boss. I have not practiced math for about 4 years since graduation and my boss is rather demanding… Sigh. Help... please?

Much thanks to anyone who can help in advance. :)

Hi sleepingneko! Welcome to MHB! (Smile)

Let's see if we can break this down into smaller and simpler pieces.

Suppose there was only 1 person.
At which time will he have his equipment and at which time will he be done equipping his items?

Now suppose there is a 2nd person.
When can he start getting his equipment?
Where can he load his equipment when he has it?
And when will he be ready?