
The model assumes that all servers in the system are identical, so they can all be described by the S term above. The c term specifies the number of servers in the queuing system.The Poisson distribution is also commonly used for the S term. Mathematically, this parameter specifies the probability distribution that these service times follow. The S term describes how long it takes for a customer to be serviced after it leaves the queue.One common probability distribution used for the A term is the Poisson distribution. Mathematically, this parameter specifies the probability distribution that the interarrival times follow. The A term describes when customers arrive at the queue – in particular, the time between arrivals, or interarrival times.

The number of customers allowed to wait in the queue may be limited based on the space available. Sometimes, the last customer to arrive will be served first (such s in the case in a stack of dirty dishes, where the one on top will be the first to be washed). For example, customers may be served in order of priority, or based on the number of items they need serviced (such as in an express lane in a grocery store). Although many retail scenarios employ the “first come, first served” rule, other situations may call for other types of service. Service discipline refers to the rule by which the next customer is selected.This includes the length of time a customer is serviced, the number of servers available to help the customers, whether customers are served one by one or in batches, and the order in which customers are serviced, also called service discipline. Yet others might decide to rejoin the queue later, such as when they are put on hold with customer service and decide to call back in hopes of receiving faster service.

How do customers behave when they are in line? Some might be willing to wait for their place in the queue others may become impatient and leave.

They may come into a queue alone or in groups, and they may arrive at certain intervals or randomly. The arrival process is simply how customers arrive.
