Optimal Sequencing in Multiserver Systems

Abstract

We analyze service systems where Nservers (N > 2) move one at a time along an array of stations to satisfy a known number of requests for service. Processing a request consists of determining the server to satisfy the request. The cost of processing a request is determined by the distance the server that performs the request has to move. We determine qualitative properties of sequencing strategies that minimize the expected cost incurred by the service of all requests when the array of stations is on a circle or an interval.