Getting Access to Spreadsheet Models for Managers

Spreadsheet Models for Managers

Service systems serve customers. You're very familiar with some kinds of service systems, because as a consumer, you're often a customer. You're less familiar with other service systems, because many of them are invisible to the public. One example of an invisible service system is the "print server" you use to print documents at your office. A single printer serves many people, and its service software is constructed as a service system.

Another example is the Internet. It's essentially a network of servers that answer requests from customers. Slowly.

Some systems aren't organized as servers. One example is the electric power grid. We all plug into it, and the power generators serve all customers at once. In its current structure, we can't ask some people to wait while we deliver electricity to others. Since this capability is missing, the only way to deal with excess demand is to shut off part of the grid, a tactic we call a "brown-out."