Statement of the Problem

Background:

Many queuing systems are in use for managing waiting lines on site: the ‘Take-a-Ticket’ dispenser, giant mazes, pagers, smart ticket dispensers, etc. None of them make the line move any faster or reduce the waiting time, though they do help with the quality of the wait and the customer flow. 

If presented with a long line at a business, a customer may wait in line with minimal patience, or simply move on to the competition.  This represents, at the least, an unfavorable view of the establishment and, at the worst, the loss of a sale.  Neither is good for business.  Neither is good for the soul.

A web enabled queuing system would allow customers to monitor via the Internet the current waiting time at an establishment.  It would allow the customer to better manage their time and presents a business with a more consistent customer flow. Customers spend less time in line and businesses spend less time in crises mode dealing with large rushes of impatient patrons.

Since a customer may simply delay their visit with such foreknowledge, such a tool can be a business booster.

The Design:

The PQS consists of four components: motion sensors, a controller, a WIFI module to connect to a local wireless network, and a web page module located on an off site web server.

The sensors indicate to the controller the presence of something passing them.  The controller interprets the signals and determines the congestion level.  It then transfers the current result to the server via the WIFI module.

Deliverables of the Design Project:

A working system installed in a local business: sensors and controller.

A web page accessible to the public.

A user manual. A technician's manual.

An analysis of the system's efficacy, product cost, and possible improvements.

 

 

last update on:  11.03.06 14:03