Are you thinking about implementing a people counting solution for queue management but aren’t sure which technology is the best fit for your needs? Look no further for your answer. Here we evaluate three people counting technologies and their effectiveness as a queue management tool: Qtrac iQ infrared beam-break technology, Bluetooth/WiFi, and camera-based technology. Each has its merits but we think it’s important to understand the key decision points. (Spoiler alert: By the time you’ve finished reading this blog post, we’re pretty sure you’ll lean toward our own Qtrac iQ solution.) When you look at what’s involved in people counting technology, it’s necessary to consider all parts of the system, from the logistics of implementation to how customers will be affected. The main points we will examine in relation to each technology solution are: installation complexity, system configuration, coverage area, architectural concerns, privacy, accuracy, and, of course, operating costs.
Bluetooth/WiFi
The use of Bluetooth/WiFi as a queue management tool is fairly easy, featuring a low installation cost and minimal system configuration requirements. It can cover a large area, similar to any wireless connection in an office or home, and isn’t compromised by walls, windows, doors, posts, or any other architectural elements. A significant potential downside is the customers’ perception of privacy. In order to gather the desired stats about customer counts, these systems use an individual’s WiFi or Bluetooth signal from their mobile phone when they enter a store and as they move around. This can be cause for concern as customers may not be in favor of being monitored on what feels like a personal level. Another key consideration of a Bluetooth/WiFi system is that it only collects data from a sample population (since not everyone has a device on them with WiFi or Bluetooth, and those that do may not have it turned on). Data accuracy may suffer as a result. Only when there are larger crowds does the accuracy of the real-time data collection improve. That translates into unreliable queue data for most situations.
Camera-based Technology
The camera doesn’t lie, and with this form of people counting, you will get a 95 percent or higher accuracy rate. However, the benefits come with some possibly significant downsides. Firstly, installation and system configuration can be quite complex. Cameras need to be placed in optimal locations in order to be as accurate as possible, which may require a ceiling mount or minimal angle of view. Additionally, in order to gather data from a large coverage area, complex stitching may be necessary, which adds to the total cost. There are also a privacy concerns with some camera-based people-counting systems. A camera system can be helpful in identifying which queues are most often used and how customers are responding to situations within a queue. But your customers may not be all that thrilled knowing that a camera is following them around recording their every move. Additionally, camera-based technologies can suffer due to lighting conditions. Changing light levels, or shadows and glare caused by the moving sun, can affect the accuracy of collected data. Finally, there is cost. Cameras, installation, and setup quickly add up.
Qtrac iQ Infrared Dual Beam-Break Technology
The infrared dual beam-break technology built into a Beltrac® stanchion counts people as they enter, move through, and exit the queue. Its dual beams sense movement, direction, and time. Like Bluetooth/WiFi technology, the coverage area can be large and there are no architectural concerns (the sensors are built right into the queuing stanchions). And like camera-based technologies, real-time data is gathered with over 95 percent accuracy. But this is where the similarities end. When it comes to privacy, Qtrac iQ is completely anonymous. And as an intelligent queuing system, its superiority lies in it’s simplicity. The battery-operated smart posts last up to a year before needing an 8-hour recharge. And they’re wireless, so installation is quick and easy. Comparing this trio of technologies, it’s easy to see that Qtrac iQ infrared beam-break technology has many advantages over Bluetooth/WiFi and camera-based systems for queue management. Qtrac iQ offers privacy, ease of use, and a budget-friendly cost. Learn more about it here.
