Are you looking to develop a simple Queue Management System (QMS)? It’s absolutely possible and affordable if you approach it the right way. Before diving into the technical steps, let me share the journey that inspired this low-cost solution.
My Story
In 2021, I was looking for an affordable QMS solution for a project. After approaching various suppliers, I realized that most commercial systems ranged from $11,000 to $13,000 USD — far too expensive for institutions in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
So, I asked myself: "Can I develop a simple QMS with similar features at a much lower cost?"
That question led me to start building my own QMS from scratch.
The Development Process
I began by developing the core software using Java. The system included the following components:
Ticket Dispenser – for issuing queue numbers.
Ticket Caller – for calling the next customer in FIFO order.
Display Interface – for showing the ticket number being served.
Reports Module – to track wait times and usage.
Configuration Panel – for user registration and system settings.
After completing the software, I sourced hardware like an industrial all-in-one embedded PC, a thermal printer, a speaker with amplifier, a 32-inch display, and various accessories such as a power button, RJ45 ports, and power extension cables.
To house the hardware, I worked with a skilled welding technician to design a kiosk that accommodated all components neatly. The result was a clean, professional-looking solution.
Once everything was assembled and installed, the QMS was fully operational — offering the same core functions as expensive commercial systems at a fraction of the cost.
What You’ll Need
If you're thinking of building a similar low-cost QMS, here's a basic checklist of requirements:
1. Software Development Skills
You’ll need to know programming language. Your application should support:
Ticket printing
FIFO-based ticket calling
wait-time reporting
A display interface for showing called numbers
A configuration module for settings and user management
2. Hardware Components
To implement your system, you’ll need:
An embedded computer(approximately $800)
A thermal printer (around $75)
A speaker and amplifier for audio calling (around $50)
A 32-inch screen for displaying ticket numbers (about $250)
Accessories including power buttons, RJ45 ports, power extension, and cables (budget around $200)
Conclusion
With programming skills and a modest budget, you can build a powerful, low-cost Queue Management System tailored to your needs. This approach is ideal for hospitals, banks, and other service environments, especially in regions where expensive commercial systems are not practical. By sharing this, I hope to empower others to build their own solutions. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to reach out let’s innovate together!
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