Harnessing GDPR-compliant people counters in universities
One innovative solution is the use of GDPR-compliant people counters, such as the Terabee Time-of-Flight people flow counters and thermal infrared People Occupancy counters.
These cutting-edge technologies offer precise data on foot traffic and occupancy and also prioritize data protection in alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Read on to see how the data they provide can be used to improve energy efficiency, facilities management and user experience in university campuses.
Privacy protection
GDPR compliance is a fundamental aspect of modern data management, particularly in educational settings where sensitive personal information is involved. Terabee people counters prioritize privacy protection ensuring that individuals cannot be identified through the information collected.
Terabee Time-of-Flight people counters gather data related to three points when someone passes into the people counting area: head and both shoulders. Terabee people counters don’t measure the height of visitors, nor do they gather any information about gender, physical appearance, clothing or other personal data. All data is fully GDPR compliant which is key.
The People Occupancy Counter from Terabee, which uses the latest thermal technology focuses on detecting heat signatures. It does not capture or store identifiable personal details. This anonymity ensures students’, staff and visitors’ privacy is preserved.
Data-driven decision making
Informed decision-making is empowered by data-driven insights. By leveraging the anonymous data collected from people counters, university administrators can make strategic decisions regarding use of facilities and resources,infrastructure, campus expansions and facility upgrades. These decisions are grounded in real data, leading to more efficient use of resources and improved campus functionality.
Accurate foot traffic data
Terabee GDPR-compliant people counters leverage advanced technologies like Time-of-Flight and thermal infrared sensors to accurately measure and count the flow of people in various campus areas. This data aids administrators to optimize facility usage, identify high-traffic zones and streamline operational workflows.
Energy efficiency gains
Investing in GDPR-compliant people counters represents a cost-effective solution for educational institutions seeking to optimize operational efficiency. By accurately monitoring foot traffic and occupancy levels, universities can identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, optimize facility maintenance schedules, and allocate resources more efficiently, ultimately leading to cost savings in the long run.
As Terabee people counters provide real-time data on the number of people within a designated space within a higher education or university environment, heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) and lighting systems can make use of this data, linked via the building management system (BMS) to enable energy savings and reduced energy costs. See the article on how Feedback Solutions has enabled energy savings of 40% or more of HVAC-related energy consumption in a U.S. university campus, coming from reduced fan speeds and optimization of the volume of outside air being heated or cooled.
Integration with existing systems
Terabee people counters are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and systems, making implementation straightforward for educational facilities. Whether it be integrating with access control systems, building management systems, or data analytics platforms, these counters offer compatibility and flexibility, allowing universities to leverage existing investments while enhancing their operational capabilities.
The People Flow Counting L-XL LoRa and People Flow Counting M 2.0 LoRa devices use LoRaWAN, which eliminates the need to install PoE cables or connect to the main IT system. This makes them ideal sensors for historic buildings which can be common in universities. The LoRa-enabled solution avoids the need to retrofit Ethernet cabling, which can be both expensive and time-consuming.
In conclusion, the integration of privacy-respecting people counters represents an innovative step to enhance energy efficiency, facilities management and user experience in educational facilities. By harnessing the power of accurate data from advanced sensor technologies, universities can optimize campus operations, improve resource allocation and provide a more positive learning environment.
Tailor your people counting solution and system according to your requirements. Contact us to speak to an expert about your people counting challenges and requirements. Get in touch today!