Entrance and exit tally method

Set the counting rule

The balance works only when every route in and out is observed. Emergency exits and staff-only doors can invalidate a seemingly precise occupancy number.

Put the rule into practice

Steps for a reliable tally

1. Place two clearly labeled buttons or counters near the observer.
2. Reset neither during an open session.
3. If you hand off, read both totals aloud and note the time.
4. When the venue is quiet, compare the computed occupancy with a direct headcount.
5. If the two differ, note the time and cause before setting a corrected baseline.

Why this detail matters

A person who changes their mind and crosses back over the line still affects the flow count. If the observation rule excludes such reversals, tell every observer. For safety or capacity work, use the venue's required procedures; a browser clicker is only an aid to the human count.

At the venue

A useful handoff note includes opening count, entries, exits and the calculated balance. If the balance becomes negative, at least one baseline or direction count is wrong. Stop and verify the doorway rule before adding more taps. Do not simply clamp the display to zero, because that conceals the cause of the mismatch.

What can go wrong?

Using one button for both directions hides which movement caused a discrepancy.

Common questions