Finding the Optimal Number of Washers and Dryers in a Dormitory: A Simulation-Based Approach

John Oleszkiewicz

Abstract:

College laundry rooms typically have an equal number of washers and dryers despite a marked difference in service time between the two types of machines. This configuration of machines introduces unnecessary delay to the laundry process due to the difference in service times. I have created a simulator to measure the severity of this problem and determine an optimal laundry room configuration. In this paper, I describe this simulator and use it to model the laundry room at Owen Graduate Hall at Michigan State University. I then describe the results it provides.