Queues
How queues work in Flowby and how to create one from the admin.
A queue is the basic building block in Flowby. It replaces traditional paper tickets: queuers scan a QR code with their phone, take a digital number, and you call them up from the queue view in admin when it’s their turn.
You can have a single queue for the whole store, or several (one per department, one for online pickup, one for repairs, etc.) and combine them into groups so queuers scan one QR code and pick the right queue themselves.
Creating a queue
Section titled “Creating a queue”-
Open Flowby admin and pick the store you want to add the queue to.
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Click Create queue.
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Give the queue a display name. This is what queuers see when they join. Keep it short and clear, e.g. “Service desk”, “Pickup”, “Returns”.
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Add a call-to-action text for every language your store supports. This is the message queuers see on their phone when it’s their turn to be served (default: “Go to cashier!” / “Gå till kassan!”). Word it for your context. For a service desk, “Come to the desk” is clearer than the default.
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Click Create Queue. Flowby creates the queue as closed and opens the queue settings so you can review the QR code, kiosk URL and other settings before queuers join.
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Open the queue’s working view and click Open queue when you’re ready to let queuers join.
Sharing the queue with queuers
Section titled “Sharing the queue with queuers”Each queue has its own unique QR code that queuers scan to join. You can find it inside the queue page in admin. Two common ways to display it:
- Print a queue sign with the QR code and put it where queuers arrive. See the queue sign guide for printable layouts.
- Use a kiosk on a tablet, which shows the QR code on screen and also lets queuers tap a manual number. See kiosk.
If you have several queues, you can also wrap them in a queue group so queuers scan one QR code and pick which queue to join. See queue groups.
When a queue is open, closing or closed
Section titled “When a queue is open, closing or closed”Queues have three states:
- Open: queuers can join and you can serve them.
- Closing: no new queuers can join, but anyone already in the queue stays.
- Closed: the queue is hidden from the status screen and the kiosk; everyone in line loses their place.
You change the state from the queue’s working view, to the right of the queue name. See open, closing or closed queue for the details.
- Don’t over-split. Two queues for “service” and “returns” are clearer than five queues for narrow sub-tasks. Queuers can switch queue if they joined the wrong one, but it’s friction.
- Set a waiting time so queuers see an estimate before they commit. See waiting time.
- Open ahead of opening hours if you expect a rush. Queuers can join before staff are ready, and you’ll see them lined up when you start serving.