The Line of Least Resistance

Project Overview

Research has shown that many of the typical methods for queueing customers are incredibly inefficient [1]. Many businesses choose to use reservation systems, for many reasons, such as space limitations in their waiting areas, preparation for large parties, and because the first-come, first-serve process is proven to be inefficient. We aim to create a mobile app that customers of a theoretical business (tourist attraction, restaurant, etc.) can download and input their name and party size, and receive a time to arrive in order to be attended to. The goal is to minimize delay time/maximize predictability because restaurants, tourist attractions, etc. are meant to be enjoyable, and being given an accurate wait time contributes towards a pleasant experience.

Team Members

• Devon Essick
• Andrew Sweren
• Kjartan Brownell (TA)

Objectives

Note: Each objective depends on the success of the previous one and proximity to the demo.

• Create a "consulting" application that accurately suggests how to most efficiently (in terms of minimal delay time) set up time slots/queues on a given day at a tourist attraction. The app will have space to select or type in various data pertinent to their system (e.g. weather conditions, average number of customers, minimum time between slots) and will output suggestions for how to set-up for the day (e.g. how far to space time slots, how many staff members to have, estimated time until boarding). It is meant to be used by employees at the beginning of the day and will run on a computer app with an intuitive user interface for those who may not be tech-savvy. We will determine the outputs based on a model obtained through MATLAB simulation software. We will determine which type of model after research.
• Expand the application to be able to make suggestions based on real time data (e.g. delay caused by security lines being understaffed).
• Expand application to be able to solve problems other than minimizing delay time (e.g. minimizing wait time).
• Expand the application in order to be useful to other companies that aim to minimize delay time (not just tourist attractions).
• Expand the application to introduce an "express lane" option when purchased online.

Challenges

• Learning simulation software
• Learning how to code an app
• Creating an approachable and intuitive app user interface for people with no experience to use
• Making sure the app is realistic for an array of systems by taking into account myriad variables (e.g. understanding the challenges that come with a large system that may not be present with a smaller system, and vice versa)
• Making sure the app has the most important inputs so that the recommendations are realistic
• Accounting for changes disrupting the way the business operates (e.g. would adding an online purchase option affect the type of customer?)
• Limitations due to security and safety concerns (e.g. eliminating security lines could diminish delay time, but at what cost?)

Budget

• Monitor and peripherals for demo (available from Urbauer 015) - $0
• Coding software (provided by school) - $0

Total: $0

Gantt Chart