A cloud-based counter is a strong fit for
- Chains that want one managed cloud dashboard for all sites
- Projects without suitable cameras at the entrances
- Teams that prefer an operating-cost model
Vicodis compared to sensor counters with a cloud platform
A people counter with a cloud platform — a dedicated sensor that reports to a hosted analytics service — against a licence that runs on an Axis camera — supplied new by us or one you already own. Camera app versus dedicated sensor, and what each model means for you over the years. When is Vicodis the right cloud people counter alternative?
In one paragraph
The short answer
Cloud-based counting systems use dedicated sensors that count on the device and report to the vendor’s hosted analytics platform, often sold as a subscription. Vicodis is an app on Axis cameras with its dashboard and reports on the camera, paid once per camera. If you want a managed cloud platform across many sites, a cloud system is built for that. If no data should leave the building and you want to use your Axis cameras, Vicodis is.
Architecture
Architecture compared
| Vicodis | Typical sensor with cloud platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Axis camera with a deep-learning unit | Dedicated counting sensor |
| Counting | On the camera | On the sensor |
| Dashboard and reports | On the camera, in your network | Vendor’s cloud platform |
| Internet needed | No | For the platform |
| Licence model | One-time licence per camera | Platform access, often as a subscription |
| Interfaces | Live endpoints, CSV, email, push | API of the platform |
Both approaches avoid sending video anywhere: the image is analysed on the device in both cases. The difference lies in where the figures go next — the trade-offs of the three architectures are set out in on-camera counting compared to server-based video analytics, and the data protection side in people counting and the GDPR.
Fit
Where each approach fits
Subscription versus one-time licence counting is often the deciding question, together with where the data may live.
Vicodis is a strong fit for
- Sites where data may not leave the building
- Existing Axis cameras that can take over counting
- Budgets that prefer a one-time purchase
Honestly
What Vicodis does not offer
If you need analytics beyond counting across a large estate, a cloud platform is the right choice.
- No hosted portal that combines many sites for you.
- No shopper analytics beyond entrance counting, occupancy and queues.
- No own sensor. Vicodis needs a suitable Axis camera.
Your decision
How to test both
Run both at the same entrance for a few weeks and compare against a manual tally at busy times. Vicodis runs for 30 days with a trial licence on your own Axis camera — see the Vicodis Visitor Counter. Add up what each option costs you over five years, including subscriptions, hardware and the time your team spends on it.
This page describes the typical design of sensor-based counters with a cloud platform as a product category. Individual products differ; check the details with the supplier you are considering.
How many visitors does your entrance really have?
Tell us your camera model or your project — we check compatibility and come back with a concrete proposal.