What is the best technology for people flow counting?

Knowing the number of customer visits in retail is extremely important to understand sales performance. Nowadays, there are different ways to count people flow in physical environments.

Retail is constantly evolving, and with more than one way to solve a market pain, doubts often arise:

• How do the people flow counting technologies differ?
• What is the most accurate way to count customer flow?
• Which counting method offers the best cost-benefit?

How do the people flow counting technologies differ?

When it comes to automating people flow counting, there are four main technologies:

• Wi-Fi counters.
• 2D cameras over the entrances;
• 3D cameras;
• Artificial intelligence connected to security cameras aimed at entrance doors;

Wi-Fi counters are still found in some establishments, but they are increasingly less used. This is because they rely on the Wi-Fi being enabled on customers' phones, and modern devices have features that scramble the count (MAC address randomization).

2D cameras are sensors placed above entrance doors. They typically use computer vision to recognize the movement of an object entering or leaving the establishment, covering about 2 to 2.5 meters of the entrance. To hire, sensors are obtained from the provider on a loan basis, and a monthly fee is paid for using the tool.

3D camera systems can analyze the depth of the image, which allows for the application of a height filter for counting. This method is slightly more efficient than the previous one. Similarly, to hire, 3D cameras are acquired on a loan basis, and a monthly fee is paid.

Unlike other companies in the sector in Brazil, AlterVision uses artificial intelligence for people detection through security cameras. To optimize data accuracy, the AI can exclude people who pass repeatedly or even learn the company’s uniform to exclude employee flow. To hire, you simply integrate the AlterVision system with the security cameras covering the entrance and pay a monthly fee.

What is the most accurate way to count customer flow?

Considering the method of analysis to generate people flow, the best solution is to use artificial intelligence. This is why AlterVision, after working with sensors, developed a system capable of differentiating humans from moving objects.

Simply detecting people already provides more accurate data when it comes to flow counting. But AlterVision also works with eliminating repeated people flow and employees wearing uniforms. Thus, it can be said that AlterVision doesn’t provide people flow, but customer flow.

Which counting method offers the best cost-benefit?

Door sensors, vertical cameras, and 3D cameras require a large initial investment, as there is a need to pay for the equipment and installation. On top of that, a monthly fee must be paid to continue using the tool.

With AlterVision, the pre-existing monitoring camera infrastructure of customers is utilized, meaning no initial investment is needed, and a monthly fee is paid for the software's usage.

Thus, the best way to count customer flow is with AlterVision, which offers the best service at the best price.

Got any questions?

Do you have any questions or want to turn your store's security camera into a customer counting system?

Contact us, and we will provide a free evaluation of your camera infrastructure!