How to Choose a People Counter
For retail automation, not only inventory software, label and receipt printers, and barcode scanners are used. A people counter is also an important tool for automating retail processes in a store.
What Is a People Counter?
According to Wikipedia, a people counting system is designed to track the number of individuals passing through a specific entry over a period of time. A people counter is essential for store management to calculate the sales conversion rate — how many people entered the store versus how many actual purchases were made in a day.
What Types of People Counting Systems Are There?
There are two types of people counters: horizontal and vertical.
Horizontal People Counter
The horizontal people counter is installed at the store entrance. It consists of a sensor and a receiver. The sensor emits an infrared beam, and the receiver captures it. They are placed opposite each other. When a person enters the store, they interrupt the beam, and the Torgsoft accounting software receives information that someone has entered.
Horizontal people counters can be one-directional or two-directional. One-directional counts everyone who passes through, while two-directional distinguishes between entries and exits.
Installing a horizontal people counter is simple and quick. It's suitable for small and medium-sized stores, cafés, and pharmacies.
Vertical People Counter
The vertical people counter is mounted above the store entrance. It uses infrared sensors that detect body heat. These sensors differentiate body temperature from surrounding objects and transmit data about how many “warm bodies” have entered the store. The sensor activates when someone passes underneath and breaks the infrared beam.
This type is installed in large retail areas with foot traffic exceeding 500 people per day. Installation and maintenance should be handled by a specialist to avoid damage and ensure proper functioning.
What Types of People Counting Systems Exist?
People counting systems can be wireless (Wi-Fi) or wired.
Wi-Fi People Counter
The Wi-Fi people counter is battery-powered. The sensor is recommended to be mounted vertically on glass surfaces — such as doors, glass partitions, near the checkout, or in store hallways. Data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to the main computer, where you can view the number of visitors currently inside.
TK-01 people counter is a Wi-Fi-enabled model. It allows connection of up to 300 sensors to the main computer without cabling — all data is transferred wirelessly. TK-01 provides visit statistics with up to 99% accuracy.
Wired People Counting System
The wired system transmits data to the main computer via cables connected to each sensor. Its advantages are cost and high transmission speed. Horizontal people counters belong to this category. However, their accuracy is lower — under 90% — and there may be counting errors.
Which People Counter Is Suitable for Your Store?
For Small and Medium Stores
For stores with fewer than 500 visitors per day, a horizontal system is ideal. With moderate traffic, it accurately tracks individual entries and transmits the data to Torgsoft with about 95% accuracy.
For Large Stores
For stores with more than 500 visitors per day, a vertical system is better. It can handle high traffic and transmit accurate data to the Torgsoft software. Accuracy is between 96–99%.
Note: monthly fees may apply for using people counting systems. Keep this in mind when choosing a model.
Where to Buy a People Counter?
You can purchase a people counter on our website. Prices vary depending on model and features. Our experts can help you choose the right device based on your store’s needs.
All equipment is tested and comes with a warranty. Every device is 100% compatible with Torgsoft accounting software. Orders over 900 UAH are shipped for free via Nova Poshta to any city in Ukraine.
Contact us for details:
+38 (099) 497 38 36
+38 (097) 099 49 89
+38 (093) 950 98 87