Final answer:
The goal in using a waiting line model to determine the number of service technicians is to find a balance that minimizes the total cost, taking into account cheaper machine hours or increased machine costs to decide on the level of capital and labor investment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing the number of service technicians required to maintain machines in a factory using a waiting line model, our goal should be to determine the most efficient balance between the cost of hiring technicians and the cost of machine downtime.
This involves choosing the appropriate production technology that leads to the lowest total cost while considering shifts toward more machines and less labor or vice versa, depending on the cost dynamics of labor and machinery. For example, when machine hours become cheaper relative to labor, a firm should invest in production technology that leverages more machines, which would reduce labor costs. On the contrary, if the cost of machinery increases, there would be a shift toward using less capital-intensive options and more human labor to achieve cost efficiency.
For companies that provide services, like preventive maintenance of air conditioners, historical service records can help plan the time budget for servicing units. Averaging the time records plus a standard deviation can ensure that staffing is adequate and does not lead to excessive waiting times or idle technicians, thus optimizing the total cost of the servicing process.