Managing Queues for Security Check in front of X-Ray Baggage Scanner: Tunnel Size and Speed Does Matter

Ever wondered why there is a long queue to get into a certain public place like malls, tourist attraction, convention center, etc.? The answer is a clear no, it is not because of the huge turnout of the crowd, but due to the slow pace of security checks. Now except for the airports, the deeper issue of long queues is a reason in plain sight. Again, not the speed and efficiency of the security guard, who frisks you during the security check-up. The main reason here is the X-Ray Baggage Scanner Machine! Wondering why! ?The reason is quite simple, often neglected during the procurement of the machine. Tunnel size, conveyor belt speed and exit side tables of the machine. Yes, you read it correctly. The tunnel size and belt speed of X-Ray Baggage Scanner together ensures scanning of bigger bags at higher throughput. Among the various factors, which affects the cost of the X-Ray machine, tunnel size is one of them.

Security Check-Up Scenarios

X-Ray machines being a high cost investment product, the selection criteria usually swing towards the cheaper product variant. Thus, the machine with small tunnel size and minimal features is purchased without knowing its indirect adverse effect on crowd management. Let us understand this with an example. If a shopping mall has one big entrance gate. It has two Walk –Through Metal Detector (WTMD) for men and women queue respectively. Along with one X-Ray, baggage Scanner Machine with a small tunnel size and low-end features. Only four bags can be scanned simultaneously in this machine due to small tunnel size. During normal footfall hour, this machine will be effective in scanning and will not affect the queue of the mall entrance. However, during rush hour, when the flow of people is more, and machine can scan only four bags at a time, imagine the length of the queue and the time it will take for the people to enter the mall! Unfortunately, that is the reality and people blame the security personnel for not frisking the people quickly leading to long queue.? Even though the main cause is in plain sight, but nobody notices.

Points to Ponder

In this scenario, the facility management should consider the expected number of people during rush hour and accordingly decide upon the tunnel size and other features while buying the X-Ray scanning machine. The use of X-Ray machines should not be viewed as a standalone device, but in a holistic manner. It should be seen as an integral part of the overall security setup of the given premises. Only with this thought process, the facility management company can take a sound decision on the purchase of the X-Ray machines and manage the premises better in terms of people movement.

Here is a quick list of features you should consider-

Tunnel Size: for commercial properties and public places it is advisable to select Tunnel size based on the maximum size of the bags to be scanned and customer flow during rush hours.

AI Feature: If you want to future proof your purchase then you should focus on models, which have AI features. Some models are offering Real time AI based threat detection of up to 35 threats.

Video Linkage: Entry and exit cameras for video linkage.

Speed Variation: Variable conveyor speed for increasing throughput during peak hours.

Authentication: Fingerprint based login authentication.

Central Monitoring: Networking capability for Centralized monitoring.

Computerized Operator Training Program: In case the operator forgets a feature or few, he/she can watch the in-built tutorial video

These are the key points, one must consider while procuring the latest X-Ray baggage scanner. It would be helpful to understand and appreciate the total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on the investment (ROI) calculations. Though it’s an undisputed fact that X-Ray baggage scanner is an important security check device in these uncertain times.