Double Entry Throughput by up to 100%.
Trusted by these customers
- Cut Storage Processing Time by 75%+
- Reduce Queue Length by 50–80%
- Cut Storage Processing Time by 75%+
Queues don’t need managing — they disappear when throughput exceeds demand.
Queues are not a crowd problem — they are a capacity problem.
When more people arrive than your entry system can process, queues will grow no matter how well they are managed. Barriers, staff, and signage may control the line, but they don’t fix the underlying issue.
The only way to eliminate queues is to increase throughput so that processing capacity meets or exceeds arrival demand.
When this happens, flow becomes continuous, bottlenecks disappear, and entry shifts from reactive crowd control to predictable, efficient movement.
Which aligns directly with:
- Martyn’s Law
- Crowd safety
- Operational efficiency
On This Page
Why Event Queues Happen
Queues form when:
arrival rate > processing capacity
Example:
If a venue can process:
- 2,000 people per hour
But receives:
- 3,000 people per hour
queues will grow continuously
Common Causes of Event Queues
- bag checks slowing entry
- cloakroom delays
- limited security lanes
- peak arrival windows
- inefficient entry layout
event ingress bottlenecks explained → /blog/event-ingress-bottlenecks
Why Queues Are a Serious Problem
Queues are not just inconvenient — they create real risks.
Operational Impact
- delayed event start
- overwhelmed staff
- reactive management
Experience Impact
- frustrated visitors
- poor first impression
- negative reviews
Security Impact
- perimeter congestion
- increased risk exposure
- reduced control
perimeter security risks explained → /pain-points/perimeter-security-crowd-risk
The Key Concept: Throughput
The only way to reduce queues is to increase throughput.
What Is Throughput?
The number of people who can enter per hour
Typical Entry Rates
| Scenario | Throughput per lane |
|---|---|
| With bags | ~200–250 people/hour |
| Without bags | ~450–500 people/hour |
Doubling throughput can eliminate queues entirely.
event throughput explained → /blog/event-ingress-throughput
1. Remove Storage from Entry
Cloakrooms create queues before entry even begins.
Fix:
- move storage outside entry flow
- eliminate manual handling
cloakroom inefficiency explained → /pain-points/cloakroom-inefficiency-events
2. Reduce Bag Volume at Entry
Bags slow security and create bottlenecks.
Fix:
- enforce bag policies
- provide alternative storage options
bag check delays explained → /pain-points/bag-check-delays-security
3. Introduce Pre-Entry Storage (Smart Lockers)
The most effective way to reduce queues is to remove bags entirely.
Result:
- faster security
- no storage queues
- improved flow
event locker systems → /solutions/event-venue-lockers
4. Increase Security Lane Efficiency
Don’t just add lanes — improve performance.
Fix:
- reduce inspection time
- remove unnecessary steps
- optimise processes
5. Separate Entry Flows
Mixing processes creates congestion.
Fix:
- separate storage, security, and ticketing
- create clear flow paths
6. Design for Peak Demand
Most events experience demand spikes.
Fix:
- plan for 60–90 minute arrival windows
- scale systems for peak load
7. Use Data to Optimise Flow
You can’t fix what you can’t measure.
Fix:
- track entry times
- analyse bottlenecks
- adjust operations
Before vs After — Queue Reduction
Traditional Entry
- bag checks at entry
- cloakroom queues
- slow throughput
- long external queues
Optimised Entry
- pre-entry storage
- clear security lanes
- faster throughput
- minimal queue formation
cloakroom vs lockers comparison → /comparisons/event-lockers-vs-cloakrooms
Real-World Scenario
10,000 Visitor Event
- 35% bring bags → 3,500 bags
Traditional System
- ~35 sec per bag
- ~20+ staff
- queues of 400–800 people
Optimised System
- ~8 sec storage
- minimal staff
- no queue buildup
calculate event ROI → /roi-calculator
Installing automated Lockers has three huge impacts
- You Increase throughput by 100% minimum
- Depending on the number of lockers and the bag / person ratios
- We advocate testing and flexing your locker volumes to remove queues at peak ingress periods
2. You cut Bag Screening Staff by 90%
- If you had 20 people in the manual clock room, you may need two supervising Self Service lockers
3. You Increase event revenue
- We have a simple event revenue sensitivity calculator
- We can take you through in a discovery call.
How Self-Service Lockers Dramatically Increase Event Ingress Speed
- Remove bags from the entry process → fewer items to screen
- Increase throughput per lane → more guests processed per minute
- Reduce variability → faster, more consistent screening times
- Eliminate cloakroom queues → no secondary bottlenecks before entry
- Lower staff dependency → smoother, more predictable flow
- Shorten overall entry time → guests move quickly from arrival to access
Design out queues with faster throughput
The result: faster ingress, shorter queues, and higher-capacity entry systems without adding more staff or lanes.
Traditional Cloak Room vs Pre Entry Smart Lockers
Operational Impact
Case Study
Paradiso
Reduce queues
Increase Revenue
Reduce Ingress Friction – case study video
Cut staff Costs – case study pdf