Integrating Queueing Theory and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Optimizing Border Crossing Operations

Efficient management of border crossing operations is essential for reducing delays, supporting trade flows, and strengthening security. This study pro-poses a hybrid framework integrating discrete-event simulation with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to evaluate and rank operational strategies for a land border crossing. The simulation model replicates real conditions and generates performance data under different scenarios. The Full Con-sistency Method (FUCOM) derives weights for evaluation criteria, reducing pairwise comparisons while maintaining consistency. The Combined Com-promise Solution (COCOSO) then ranks scenarios against these weighted cri-teria. Results indicate that strategies incorporating advanced document pro-cessing and optimized resource allocation deliver the greatest performance improvements. The framework equips policymakers with a structured tool to reduce waiting times, increase throughput, and enhance service quality. It demonstrates how combining simulation with MCDM yields both operational and policy-relevant insights adaptable across border contexts.