A developer simulates buffet line systems using Python to find the most efficient queuing method. Four approaches are compared: the classic single-file line, a rogue free-movement method, a 'don't go backwards' method, and perpendicular lines. Using Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm and queue stability analysis, the 'don't go backwards' method emerges as the most efficient, handling the highest arrival rates before gridlock. Additional experiments show that making food accessible from both sides further increases throughput. The simulation ran on AWS due to Python's slowness with repeated pathfinding on large grids.
Table of contents
How do you simulate a buffet line?“Classic” method“Rogue” method“Don’t go backwards” method“Perpendicular lines” methodWhich system is the most optimal?Let’s dig a bit deeperWhat else can we do?NotesSort: