People counting systems
How people counting systems can help improve infrastructure
The use of people counting systems (PCS) has become more widespread in recent months due to the risks of overcrowding relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. But even before the pandemic, people counting systems offers organisations a simple and effective way to gather vital data that can be used to overhaul infrastructure for the better.
PCSs are used across many commercial sectors including retail, transport, and leisure to collect data on footfall and traffic at various times during the day. The data gathered by an accurate PCS can be used to improve infrastructure to result in both a better service for customers while streamlining expenditures for management.
What is a people counting system?
A people counting system is an electronic or mechanical device that counts the number of people entering and exiting a building. A PCS can also count how many visitors stop to browse in the shop, where they go next, how long they stay there, and more. This data helps organisations better understand their customers’ behaviour and preferences which in turn helps them improve infrastructure over time.
Different people counting sensors use various different technologies to count footfall, with varying levels of accuracy. CCTV can be used to count people optically, while WiFi people trackers can search for phone signals and track people that way. Neither of these methods is highly accurate, though both can be used to get a broad idea of footfall at various times of the day. Infrared people counters use infrared technology, which is based on heat, to detect objects and track people entering or leaving a space with a high level of accuracy.
How are people counting systems used in airports?
PCSs are used in various different settings for similar purposes. In transport and aviation, people counting systems are frequently installed in airports and other transportation hubs to inform decision-making with regards to how the infrastructure of the airport is designed.
In airports, people counting systems can be used to track and measure the number of people entering public areas at various times of day, for example, to see how many people are passing through during rush hour or in the evening. Similarly, transport hubs can use PCSs to measure traffic flow and determine when and where more service is needed. This data is invaluable for making decisions about the infrastructure of airports and transport hubs.
How should PCSs inform decision-making in infrastructure and design?
The number of people using any given space at any time is one of the most crucial data points that can be used when designing the infrastructure of any business or organisation. This data can be used to inform:
– Which times of the day, week, and month are most popular with travellers?
– Which areas of your space suffer overcrowding, and when?
– What routes do people take through your space?
– Which areas are most popular and which ones have the least foot traffic?
The data collected by PCSs can be used to make infrastructure decisions including the addition of new hubs, waiting areas, escalators, platforms; as well as the way your security is managed, including the use of CCTVs and security guard patrol routes. These changes will not only benefit travellers, but they will also reduce the stress on busy employees.
Who are we?
At Bayanat Engineering, we create tailored solutions for airports that combine cutting-edge technology and expert engineering to result in efficient, streamlined infrastructure and design that keeps things running smoothly for airport managers and travellers. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how a people counting system can be used to improve your airport infrastructure.