Elevators, though commonplace, employ complex algorithms to manage passenger flow. The simplest is the SCAN algorithm, patented in 1961, which travels from the lowest to the highest floor and back. A more common variant is the LOOK algorithm, which reverses direction only when necessary.

When multiple elevators are involved, a central scheduler assigns requests to the nearest car. However, more advanced systems like Otis' RSR (Relative System Response) algorithm use a scoring system to determine the best car for a pickup, considering factors like estimated arrival time, passenger load, and direction. RSR also re-optimizes elevator routes every 5 seconds, allowing for dynamic re-routing if delays occur.

Wait times are a key metric, often measured by the percentage of rides with waits under 30 or 90 seconds, or by percentiles like p90 (90th percentile wait time). Traffic patterns, especially during morning rushes, significantly impact wait statistics. Surprisingly, sophisticated Destination Dispatch systems, where passengers select their floor at a kiosk, can sometimes lead to longer wait times than traditional up/down buttons due to a loss of flexibility compared to continuously re-optimizing systems.