Abstract: The present invention is a method of optimizing the flow of entities. The method includes the steps of: i) tracking the position of a plurality of the entities; ii) repeatedly: comparing each of the positions with a target profile; and calculating or adjusting a reward potential for each entity on the basis of the comparison; and iii) rewarding a selected number of entities on the basis of the reward potential associated with each of the entities at a predetermined time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for electronic article surveillance wherein the time taken for articles to move from a starting point to a destination point by way of a series of zones is monitored in real time, taking into account bottleneck and non-bottleneck zones. A set of simple rules is applied so as to give estimated times of arrival for any given article. When it is calculated that an article will arrive after a predetermined critical time, an alert is triggered and remedial action may be taken. Various attributes of each zone may additionally be monitored, for example the number of articles in the zone or the temperature of the zone. The system and method may be applied to passengers in an airport, a warehouse or distribution center, or any other application where articles are being moved from one place to another.