The food ordering landscape in the Gulf region has long been dominated by the honk-based system, which has introduced numerous operational challenges for both dining establishments and their customers. While the pickup system emerged as a potential solution, our analysis reveals that existing implementations, primarily based on first-in-first-out (FIFO) queuing mechanisms, demonstrate significant limitations in their efficiency and effectiveness. These current solutions fall short of fully addressing the fundamental issues inherent in the honk-based ordering system. Our research presents an innovative approach through the development of a dynamic priority queue algorithm that adapts to real-time conditions and can be both scaled and customized according to specific needs. The algorithm's core functionality centers on the continuous monitoring and evaluation of multiple order-related factors, including preparation requirements, estimated arrival times (ETA), order submission timing, and real-time environmental variables. By processing these elements, the system determines the optimal initiation point for order preparation, offering a sophisticated solution to the current challenges in food pickup services. Furthermore, this information is used to position the order appropriately within the queue by undergoing four stages of calculation to determine the optimal spot. When new real-time data affecting the orders in the priority queue becomes available, the affected orders are re-evaluated and repositioned to their best-fit positions. Consequently, this process will likely produce a near-optimal queue, directing the restaurant to the sequence in which orders should be prepared and the appropriate timing. This process ensures food preparation synchronizes with customer arrival times, maximizing freshness while minimizing wait times in real time. This process, as suggested by our simulation, will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the food pickup system. Consequently, it minimizes the challenges associated with current food ordering systems and improves user experience, delivering better outcomes for restaurants and customers.

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A Dynamic Priority Queue for Food Pickup Scheduling

  • Helia Haghighi,
  • Ibrahim K. Alhamoud,
  • Sara A. Alameri,
  • Said S. Elnaffar

摘要

The food ordering landscape in the Gulf region has long been dominated by the honk-based system, which has introduced numerous operational challenges for both dining establishments and their customers. While the pickup system emerged as a potential solution, our analysis reveals that existing implementations, primarily based on first-in-first-out (FIFO) queuing mechanisms, demonstrate significant limitations in their efficiency and effectiveness. These current solutions fall short of fully addressing the fundamental issues inherent in the honk-based ordering system. Our research presents an innovative approach through the development of a dynamic priority queue algorithm that adapts to real-time conditions and can be both scaled and customized according to specific needs. The algorithm's core functionality centers on the continuous monitoring and evaluation of multiple order-related factors, including preparation requirements, estimated arrival times (ETA), order submission timing, and real-time environmental variables. By processing these elements, the system determines the optimal initiation point for order preparation, offering a sophisticated solution to the current challenges in food pickup services. Furthermore, this information is used to position the order appropriately within the queue by undergoing four stages of calculation to determine the optimal spot. When new real-time data affecting the orders in the priority queue becomes available, the affected orders are re-evaluated and repositioned to their best-fit positions. Consequently, this process will likely produce a near-optimal queue, directing the restaurant to the sequence in which orders should be prepared and the appropriate timing. This process ensures food preparation synchronizes with customer arrival times, maximizing freshness while minimizing wait times in real time. This process, as suggested by our simulation, will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the food pickup system. Consequently, it minimizes the challenges associated with current food ordering systems and improves user experience, delivering better outcomes for restaurants and customers.