Title: Modelling and computational simulation of operations and queue systems in a supermarket

Authors: Paloma dos Santos Alves Nunes; João Vitor da Silva Alves; Yuri Laio Teixeira Veras Silva

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Sume, Paraiba, Brazil ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Sume, Paraiba, Brazil ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Sume, Paraiba, Brazil

Abstract: Queuing theory, combined with computational simulation, has been employed to analyse queue system configurations with the objective of identifying scenarios that offer the greatest benefits to the company. This study aims to develop a computational simulation approach to determine the optimal number of cashier operators in a supermarket in Brazil, considering queue-related parameters at different times of the day and month to achieve efficient wait time management. The results indicate that the best number of fast queue attendants (AQF) is two operators across all configurations. For normal queue attendants (AQN), at the beginning of the month, 15 attendants are needed on weekdays and 14 on weekends. Mid-month, the demand decreases, with 13 attendants required on weekdays and 14 on weekends. At the end of the month, the optimal allocation is 15 attendants for both weekdays and weekends.

Keywords: queues modelling; computational simulation; discrete-event modelling; agent-based simulation; AnyLogic; supermarket operations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJADS.2025.149527

International Journal of Applied Decision Sciences, 2025 Vol.18 No.6, pp.670 - 691

Received: 01 Jul 2024
Accepted: 28 Aug 2024
Published online: 05 Nov 2025 *

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