Spreadsheet calculations for the machine interference queueing model

The machine interference queueing model has numerous applications in different areas. Yet it is seldom used due, mainly, to the complexity of the associated calculations. In this paper, a simple and easy-to-implement spreadsheet application of the model is presented. This application calculates state probabilities and mean values for key parameters: machine utilization, operators’ load and system throughput. The application is parametric in the numbers of machines and operators, mean time between (machine) failures, and mean service time. This facilitates model analysis and turns the spreadsheet application into a powerful tool for analysis, design and decision support.