1970:
Lonsto (International) Limited, was founded by Rodger Ian Dudding, a qualified Engineer. Whilst working in Sweden, he was introduced to an innovative, organised queuing concept and decided to develop the rudimentary idea into a product tailored for the UK. Lonsto commenced operations in London, NW8 and launched the company under the name “Take-a-ticket and Queue Management Systems (QMS).” 1972:
Due to expansion, the company relocated to Muswell Hill, London N10.The first systems were pre-printed ticket types with electro-mechanical indicator panels. 1973:
Launched electronic indicator panels. 1974:
Awarded first H.M. Government (HMG) contract for supply and installation as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to Benefit Agency offices. Awarded major contract by Green Shield Trading Stamp Company (GS) to equip entire branch network of some 150 outlets with QMS. Designed and developed “Counter Position Reception Light”systems to designate counter positions –employed by HMG and GS. 1975: Further HMG contracts to supply and install as OEM to DOE, Employment Service and Inland Revenue office, PLEO offices throughout UK.  Awarded first bank contract with Barclays, NatWestand Midland Banks. Awarded contracts by various Local Authorities for QMS to rating, housing departments and DHSS. Contracts also for NHS Hospitals. Awarded further contracts by banks, Co-op Societies, John Lewis Group, Clarks Shoe Group. 1976:
Designed and launched LED (Light Emitting Diode) display electronic indicator panels, to supersede standard units with greater definition. Founded Lonsto Security Systems to manufactured range of anti-theft equipment. Awarded supply contracts from Local Authorities and many major retailers. 1977:
Sold first QMS System to Tesco Plc for delicatessen counters. The first UK supermarket group to adopt Lonsto QMS concept was at Stevenage supermarket.

1980-1984:
Launched more products and, due to expansion, purchased freehold of all other mews properties in London N10 and two warehouses, London N8 and London N1 Awarded contracts by all UK major multiples (in addition to Tesco Plc 1975), Sainsbury, Co-ops, Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, Asda, Clarks, Fine Fare, Gordon Scott, Harrods, Woolworths, plus ongoing programme with HMG and Local Authorities throughout UK, also bank groups. Supply and install British and foreign embassies overseas. Established overseas distributor and agency network.
1985:
Purchased 17,500 square foot head office building, Southgate, London N14 and re-located to consolidate all activities under one roof.
1986:
Designed and launched 7-segment style electronic indicator panels to supersede LED units for further definition enhancement.
1987:Designed and launched first intelligent ticket dispenser to print and issue tickets on demand with data-capture facilities.

1990:
The RD90 is launched, increasing sales and profits. It leads the way in customer satisfaction and increased staff productivity into the new decade. 1991:
Designed for the independent retailer, the launch of the M.2000 kit enables any retailer to resolve their queuing difficulties at minimum cost. Complementing the RD90 Lonsto looks set to dominate the queue avoidance market well into the 1990s. First Lonsto (International) Limited newsletter developed and launched updating the public on new developments and company news for the decade ahead. 1993:
The modern day requirement for an effective, reliable but economic point of sale cash security system results in the development of the Lonsto till safe. 1994:
Lonsto (International) Limited donates to the Poppy Appeal supporting the continued efforts made on behalf of The British Legion. Lonsto (International) Limited continue to have strong representation at the neighbourhood retailing exhibition & delicatessen and fine food fair andpublic sector purchasing exhibitions. 1995:
Lonsto (International) Limited celebrates 25 years of providing public and private sectors with solutions to its queuing and security dilemmas with the next 25 years looking set to produce the same success. New vehicle fleet brought in to deal with the growing demand for Lonsto’s product line. The recently developed ‘Diverter Display System’celebrates its popularity amongst local authorities, embassies and many other institutions throughout the country, improving the connection between the desired level of service and the desired level of profitability of counter personnel.

2000:
Virtual Queuing in The New Millennium. Being the first organisation to implement queue management systems within the UK and having operated for over a quarter of a century, Lonsto welcomes in the new millennium and dedicates itself to improving queuing problems for the years ahead. 2004:
Focusing on innovation Lonsto continues to develop its product line and develops its Head of Queue systems, the aim to successfully and continually provide effective solutions to client dilemmas. First Lonsto (International) Limited newsletter developed and launched updating the public on new developments and company news for the decade ahead. 2005:
Queue management systems from Lonsto have set the standard for 35 years. In this time it has consistently lead the way, developing fresh and modern solutions to an array of client problems. Lonsto will continue to lead the way with its continual innovation setting it apart from its followers. 2006:
The expansion of Lonsto has lead to development of its new marketing department. With the queuing environment continually evolving so to has Lonsto’s approach towards it. Fresh and innovative times lay ahead and with it Lonsto’s continual leadership in the market, an exciting future awaits…  2007:
Lonsto introduce a new range of LCD counter displays; typically LED displays have been used to show the ticket number over the serving counter. The LCD offers the option to add a label, counter number and advertising during non-use/standby.

The LCD Counter Software allows managers to label each screen individually and apply a colour scheme for different service types. Recent changes to the health and safety laws in the UK regarding the collection of money/cash cartridges from kiosk units, has seen the development of the Kiosk Trolley in partnership with Sodexo Facilities Management at the Queens Hospital in Romford. The PCQMS Queue Management Analysis tool has been through a number of changes from the front end design to become more user friendly and the introduction of reporting templates to generate quick reports.

An additional feature to the PCQMS software allows the generation of auto reports which are sent to users by email for a given day and time, helping managers to analyse and make strategic decisions with improved efficiency and report archiving.2008:
Lonsto develop a new range of PC/Browser based call forward keypads with improved features for call forward, customer/patient information, closing tickets and accessibility of information.

The Software keypads can work using an open/closed network and are not affected by using Wi-Fi connectivity. Integration to CRM and other applications is as easy as 123! PharmaQ is a complete kit available to the pharmacy departments as a stand alone / integrated network QMS solution. Compromising of thermal ticket issue, PC based ticket issuing and call forward, combined with LCD and Queue Management Stats.

The PharamaQ kit is easy to install and incorporates the an all new managers panel combined with management software allowing users to make real time changes as and when required. Lonsto visit the Euroshop exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany showcasing our new range of call forward system, QS-Line. Combining LCD Media and LED call forward for cashier/retail till environment. Creativity is the new buzz @ Lonsto where we have introduced picture based user manuals and video manuals showing anything from how to change a ticket to generating statistical reports and managing the over all Queuing System.

The Manuals are available on the website or on CD and can be reordered for free; these are ideal for training new users/managers of the system.2009:
Lonsto introduce a family branded Queue System ‘EasyTurn’, the range of low cost take-a-ticket systems are easy to use and install, requires little maintenance and proven to be robust and durable. CommuniQ is a brand new concept, combining multi service thermal printers, digital signage and PC/Browser QMS solution. The system is turnkey and has large variety of calling devices, display solutions and web manager panels.

CommuniQ can work on both a stand alone and network based QMS arrangement, where multi-site/departmental networking is important for front end operations. Richard Osborn joins the team at Lonsto helping to drive the business forward and with the introduction of our new product ranges, to ensure that we at Lonsto do everything we can to make life easier. The introduction of Lonsto Finance allows customers to venture into new ways to purchase/lease queue management solutions.

An introduction to a mid-term/long-term lease ensures that each customer has the opportunity to upgrade systems, meeting operational requirements, quickly and efficiently, without the burden of having to purchase new systems. The PCQMS queue management analysis software becomes web based, ensuring that all information is accessible 24/7 from the comfort of your office to the comfort of your home.

Combined with a manager’s panel, managers are able to configure the QMS solution, manage user profiles and run daily or weekly maintenance via the internet. Lonsto secure exclusive distribution rights to Scritto System AG, a Swiss company specialising in indoor signs and way finding solutions. To find out more, please click here. Jansen Display joins the Lonsto team of partners, providing innovative and structurally sound indoor and outdoor sign solutions ranging from ceiling/wall signs to wind talkers and light boxes in small, medium and large size formats. Sedao and Lonsto sign an exclusive rights contract for the UK to distribute the ever popular, Sedao Digital Sign Software Suite. Used in the public sector, the Sedao software integrates multi-media information display along with ticket call forward, ensuring that the waiting customer is informed and relaxed.

2010:
Lonsto are sad to announce that our old thermal dispensers are now discontinued; if you have an existing Lonsto thermal printer, we can supply parts to ensure that the queue system remains in working condition.

As a result, Lonsto are now happy to announce that we have a brand new range of multi-service thermal printers for the purposes Desk, Wall and Floor Standing Units, ensuring a high quality operation combined with robust and durable housing. ‘Info Touch’ is a brand new large scale Touch Screen unit with toughened glass ensuring scratch resistance and designed to be vandal proof. The touch screens are available in 32”-80” in size and can be mounted on the wall or on our professional floor stand for DDA compliance.

Combined with our digital signage solutions, the Info Touch is an information terminal that has the option for a ticket printer, to combine with a queuing system. Digital Signage solutions ranging from 7” to 80” are now available in either touch screen or professional LCD, ensuring high quality, durable and low power consumption combined with optimal performance. ‘Q-Line’ is a new brand introduced by Lonsto for the Cashier/Till service environment; consisting of an LED main display, counter signage, male/female audio call forward and management data to help improve efficiency and reduce standing in line queues.

The Q-Line can be branded to ensure that the identity of the product remains consistent to in-house / shop brand strategy. Lonsto complete our re-branding strategy with a new website, brand identity and wider range of products ensuring that we maintain our commitment to being ‘One Jump Ahead’ by providing all the accessories that compliment a Queue Management System. Lonsto are delighted to introduce a big range of In-Queue merchandising and barrier solutions; ideal for organising the flow of customers and promoting impulse purchasing opportunities.

All our In-Queue merchandising and barrier range can be branded, ensuring the identity of the products remain consistent to in-house / shop brand strategy.