Time-of-Flight people counting technology: A new era in canteen management
However, accurately counting the number of individuals entering and exiting these areas during peak hours can be a challenge. This translates to the importance of having accurate, reliable data on canteen usage in order to be able to tailor staffing, meal options and cleaning for when there is greatest demand. Fortunately, Terabee’s people counting devices, which use Time-of-Flight technology, provide high-precision foot flow metrics and occupancy data, while ensuring anonymity and privacy protection.
Benefits of Time-of-Flight people counters
Time-of-Flight sensors are the best choice for occupancy monitoring in staff cafeterias and in-house restaurants. They do not rely on camera technology, which means the data they gather is 100% GDPR-compliant, ensuring privacy and anonymity for individuals. This technology offers up to 98% accuracy and is cost-effective, with the best price-performance ratio in its category. Additionally, it is fast and easy to install, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of environments.
Improve customer experience
By providing accurate data on occupancy levels, people counting technology can improve the customer experience. Facilities managers can make informed decisions based on the people counter data so there are sufficient staff and service when the demand is highest, to reduce waiting times, optimize seating arrangements, and provide the best possible service during peak hours. Real-time occupancy data can enable employees to choose the best time to eat, while information about free seats can make the dining experience smoother. This can lead to a better overall customer experience, increased employee satisfaction and higher levels of productivity.
More efficient resource management
With accurate data on cafeteria occupancy levels businesses can better manage canteen resources, such as food, seating, and staff. This can result in cost savings and improved sustainability though less food waste and more efficient operations. Visitor counting data can also help identify the best-performing areas or areas for improvement, based on footfall numbers and dwell times. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and lighting can be linked to the Building Management System (BMS) and reduced when the facilities are not in use or there is less demand.
Optimize staffing
Time-of-Flight people counter technology can help businesses understand their busiest times and schedule staff accordingly, making better use of resources and improving overall team member satisfaction. Staff planning for set-up, food service, and cleaning can be optimized as a result of insights from footfall monitoring and people counting data.
Informed decision-making
Another benefit of accurate data on occupancy levels enables canteen service suppliers to make better decisions about expanding or reducing the size of their in-house restaurants and staff canteens. This optimize space usage and improve the overall work environment. The people counting data can enhance planning and operations, with the result of faster and smoother cafeteria services.
Identification of the least-used spaces through anonymous occupancy data means that in-house restaurant operators can take appropriate measures to enhance these spaces and increase total restaurant occupancy.
Data privacy and GDPR compliance by design
By emitting a pulse of near infrared light and measuring the time it takes to reflect off the environment and back to the sensor, Terabee people counters calculate depth information about their surroundings. A low resolution “depth map” where each pixel corresponds to a distance measurement is produced.
Time-of-Flight sensors do not measure the height of someone passing into or out of the counting area, nor do they gather any information about gender, physical appearance, clothing, or other personal data. This ensures complete data privacy for individuals and is a key advantage of Terabee’s people counting technology. Read more about people counting devices GDPR compliance.
People Counting solutions from Terabee
With its ability to aggregate data taken from up to five separate sensors, the People Counting L-XL device offers easy installation and configuration. It is a highly accurate solution to gather data on people flow at large doors, entrances and indoor gates. On the other hand, the People Counting M device is suitable for standard doors and narrow corridors, such as in small dining rooms and washrooms.
Contact us to speak to an expert about your people counting challenges and requirements. Get in touch today! If you would like to learn how to deploy people counting solutions in your canteen, restaurant or other facility, contact a member of the Terabee team.
