A free virtual queueing solution

What Is Queue Management?

A queue is any number of people waiting in a line for a service or item. With the advent of mobile devices, it has become possible to create "virtual" queues. This means people are part of a queue and waiting, but they do not need to be physically present and can do something more useful instead: no more standing in lines, customers can secure their place in the queue from the comfort of wherever they are.

Any software or app that enables virtual queuing can be used for "queue management".

Features of queue management apps

There are solutions out there which offer a large number of extra features, including:

1. Appointment Scheduling and Reminders: Customers can book their slots, and the system sends out timely reminders.

2. Priority Queueing: Allows businesses to prioritize specific customers based on predetermined criteria.

3. Multichannel Queueing: Customers can join a queue through various channels, such as an app, website, or kiosk.

4. Real-Time Queue Monitoring and Analytics: A dashboard for managers to oversee all active queues in real time and tools for data analysis and optimization.

5. Staff Performance Tracking: Advanced systems may include features to manage and measure staff performance.

A simpler solution

What if you don't need these features, and just want your customers to know what position they are in the queue?

This is where Keepthescore.com can help. You can very easily create a "queue" number that is available on a unique link — which you customers can access on their mobile device. See an example link here.

You can update this number with a click and the update will be visible to everyone instantly. The only thing you need to do is give each customer a number so that they know where they are in the queue. Simple, no? Read on below for a creative solution using QR codes.

Keepthescore.com gives you the option to theme and style your counter, as well as adding custom text.

To get started, click the button below:

Case Study: Face-painting studio

Here's an example of how it can work in practice.

Rabbit Whole Studio is a face-painting studio that is active at fairs and shows. Because only 1 child can be painted at a time, it was necessary to find some kind of queuing solution.

Here's what they came up with:

1. When a customer buys a face-painting session, they receive a lanyard with a card containing their number in the queue and a QR code with a link to a counter on Keepthescore.com.
2. The customer can then scan the QR code and will instantly see which number is currently being painted.
3. As their own number approaches, they can make their way to the face-painting stall and await their turn.

Howto

Here are the steps to implement this virtual queuing solution for your own business:

1. Create a counter on Keepthescore.com by clicking the button below. Style it as you wish.

1. Get the public link for your counter by clicking "SHARE" and then "Share public link". Copy this link.

2. Use a QR code generator like QR Code Generator to create a QR code that links to this public URL. Customize the QR code appearance if desired. Download and print out this QR code.

3. When a new customer joins the queue, assign them their "slot number". This is simply a sequential number that starts at 1 and increments by 1 for each new customer. You can write this number on a card or slip of paper.

4. Provide the customer with the printed QR code along with their slot number. Explain that when they scan the QR code, they will see the current number being served.

5. The admin needs access to the admin view of the counter, which they can get by creating the counter or having the link shared with them. As each customer is served, the admin simply clicks the "+" button to increment the counter number.

6. Customers can scan the QR code at any time to view the public page. They compare the current "Now Serving" number on the page to their assigned slot number to know how close they are to being served.

7. Optionally, display the public view of the counter on a screen at your location so customers can see the current number without needing to scan the QR code.

With this simple virtual queue system, your customers can relax or take care of other business while waiting, rather than physically standing in line. The QR code and online counter make it easy for them to check their place in line at any time.

Let us know if you have implemented a virtual queue for your business and how it worked out! Feel free to share any other tips or experiences in the comments below.