Multiple Location Retailers / Libraries
Counting Technologies offers the most streamlined collection and transfer of count data available today. Wireless counters are highly accurate and ideal for easy installation at the store level.
Our data collection hardware is specifically designed for simple, reliable connectivity to a central server, and our proprietary software provides the greatest versatility for count data management.
Using TrafficFlow Enterprise™, we offer powerful counter management & report generation tools including automated report creation, emailing, and printing of charts & tables, plus a "WebReports" interface so management from the corporate office to every location may access and create their own count data reports.
Data Flow Overview
Click on an item below for more detailed information.
For the multi-location organizations, we typically recommend the following data flow process.
- Each entrance is installed with a small battery-operated wireless counter.
- The counters wirelessly transmit the current door count to a Counter Manager located either in the back room or at an available Ethernet port. The Counter Manager is typically connected to the LAN switch at each store.
- The Counter Manager holds either a static IP or is configured for DHCP. The Counter Manager commits the current door count to a record in an internal database at pre-set, regular intervals (i.e. every 30 min.).
- At scheduled times, the Counter Manager "calls out" to a central server and uploads an XML file to a web server running IIS where TrafficFlow™ Enterprise is installed. Automated polling may occur if a store does not report in.
- TrafficFlow™ Enterprise software parses the XML file into a SQL Server database.
- Automated exports from SQL Server or linking of tables allow the count data to integrate with other store-level data. Reporting may be handled through current reporting systems (i.e. POS) or TrafficFlow™ Enterprise.
- Local, regional, and corporate management may login to "WebReports" to create their own store's traffic reports, or view the company-wide traffic results.
Implementation Notes
Data Center Software
Only the TrafficFlow™ Enterprise software is required to be installed on a web server at a central Data Center. Counting Technologies' technical managers will assist client's data management/IT staff with the software deployment and documentation to ensure set-up, security, and maintenance concerns are handled. Supporting software may be installed for WebReports or to parse incoming XML files.
Store-level Hardware
The door counters and a Counter Manager are the only items to be installed at the store level. Counting Technologies has trained technicians available, but most clients have established relationships with technical providers or internal IT staff whom we can train to perform the installations.
Store-level Installation
Clients are recommended to have a small implementation staff available for a few hours during the period of installations that may include: (a) Project/Reporting Manager, (b) WAN/LAN administrator, and (c) SQL database administrator.
These resources may only be need to be available for a short time during implementation. It is possible for several or all of these responsibilities may be handled by a single representative with IT experience.
- Project/Reporting Manager - Coordinate IT resources and internal departments to ensure the count data is meeting the reporting expectations of management.
- WAN/LAN administrator - Provide available static IP addresses & investigate connectivity limitations.
- SQL database administrator - Install TrafficFlow™ and manage internal security protocol.
- Help Me Choose
- Single-Location
- Multi-Location
- Library/University
