On 1 October 2001, I sent out via <[log in to unmask]> an
enquiry about Visitor Counters (sometimes called People Counters).
Co-incidentally, on 10 Oct 2001 Elaine Arthur at Bournmouth sent out a
similar enquiry via <[log in to unmask]>, and a colleague has
forwarded the replies to me.
Since all the replies which have come to my attention cover exactly the
same ground, I have compiled a consolidated summary of replies, and I am
now sending out this document (attachment 39.5k) to both discussion
groups. I hope that this arrangement meets with general approval.
The received opinion seems to be that automatic counters need very
careful installation and even then can under-read by 5% to 25% depending
on location. The counters with which we in Bexley have been having
problems are the Uniplex/Unicomm Q-Scan from Elmech Co., though some
respondents seem to be getting on quite well with them, thus giving
weight to the argument that good setting up may be the problem.
We have found that the CIPFA-approved manual count method (sample week
grossed up to produce a quarterly figure), produces very erratic results
since random weekly variations are multiplied by 13, producing startling
quarterly variations which elected Members understandably have
difficulty believing.
It seems to me that it is important to continue sample manual counts for
a while after the introduction of automatic counters to get a feel for
the extent to which they are under-reading in any particular location.
Many thanks to those who contributed to this document.
<<Visitor Counters.doc>>
Peter Marshall
Project Development Librarian
Bexley Council
Thamesmead Centre
Yarnton Way
Erith
DA18 4DR
Tel: 020 8320 4135 (Direct Line)
email: [log in to unmask]
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