East Midlands Railway (EMR) contacted Axiomatic to enquire about installing footfall counters at four stations: Nottingham, Sheffield, Chesterfield and Derby.
The initial aim was to gather simple footfall data using basic counters. Axiomatic provided an overview of its solutions, including more sophisticated networked overhead counters, which prompted a meeting with EMR to explore the Xovis 3D counters in more detail.
After the meeting, EMR provided photos of the station entrances so Axiomatic could advise on the most suitable solution. This confirmed that overhead devices would be the preferred option.
To begin gathering data and understand how it could be used, EMR initially trialled one of Axiomatic’s simple beam counters.
Axiomatic was subsequently invited to submit a full proposal for overhead 3D counters across the four stations.
Challenges
Axiomatic was awarded the project, and site surveys were scheduled. Axiomatic engineers and Installation Manager Derrick Williams visited each site to determine counter locations, advise on cabling requirements and identify any other installation considerations.
The site visits also identified the best counter locations for optimum performance.
Before installation, Axiomatic completed stringent solution design documentation and held several meetings with EMR to ensure the process would run smoothly.
EMR appointed an electrical contractor to install the cabling. The contractor worked closely with Axiomatic to ensure cables were positioned correctly, which helped make the installation process smoother when Axiomatic attended each site.
Axiomatic engineers completed the physical installation of the counters at each site, while the support team calibrated the devices remotely.
EMR now has a footfall system that accurately monitors thousands of station visitors, helping the organisation understand overall station footfall across passengers, visitors and retail users.
The entrance required a counter with appropriate bracket
Counter can be seen mounted on the ceiling from a dropped bracket
