How to manually import footfall data
This guide explains how to prepare a CSV file, map the columns correctly, and import footfall data manually into Vemcount.
Use Footfall Data Manager when you need to import historical or external footfall data from a CSV file into a selected Vemcount location.
Before importing, prepare the CSV so the data is clean and easy to map. The simplest files are usually the most reliable: keep the date/time field consistent, keep In and Out in separate columns, and avoid mixing labels with numeric values in the same cell.
CSV file examples
The official guide distinguishes between a perfect example, a usable example, and a problematic example.
A perfect example
The table is clean, the time format is clear, and Count In and Count Out each have their own numeric column.
Time | In | Out |
2026-04-02 10:59:21 | 5 | 3 |
2026-04-02 11:20:49 | 3 | 0 |
2026-04-03 12:32:12 | 2 | 1 |
A good example
This file can still be used because it contains the date plus separate In and Out values, even though it does not include a time column.
Date | Label | Value | Label | Value |
02/04/2026 | In | 5 | Out | 3 |
02/04/2026 | In | 3 | Out | 0 |
03/04/2026 | In | 2 | Out | 1 |
If no time is supplied, Vemcount inserts the imported data at 12:00:00 for that date.
A bad example
This structure is difficult to map because cells are missing and text is mixed with numbers in the same fields.
Date / Day | Col B | Col C | Col D | Col E |
02/04, Thu | 15 | In: 5 | 82 | Out 3 |
61 | In: 3 | 10 | Out 0 | |
03/04, Fri | 47 | 2 | 85 |
Column mapping
During mapping, the Date/Time field uses PHP time format notation. Common examples from the official article are shown below with updated 2026 values.
Example value | PHP format mapping |
2026-04-03 12:32:12 |
|
28/4/26 |
|
2026-04-03T12:32:12Z |
|
Column mapping follows an A-Z sequence similar to Excel. If your source file uses separate Date and Time columns, merge them before mapping the Date/Time field.
Date | Time | ID | In | Out | Notes |
03/04/2026 | 12:32:12 | 101 | 2 | 1 | Promo event |
Date/Time | Ignore | Ignore | In | Out | Ignore |
How to manually import the data
Prepare the CSV file and make sure the structure is clean and consistent.
Open Manage and select Footfall Data.
Click Import CSV and upload the CSV file.
Select the correct location.
Skip the data template if you do not use one.
Choose the correct CSV format under Advanced options.
Map the Date/Time, In, and Out columns correctly.
Click Import Data. Vemcount opens a status page where you can refresh the view and follow the import process.
Important: Only numeric values should be mapped to the In and Out fields. Avoid missing cells, mixed labels such as In: 5, and unnecessary columns where possible. The official article notes that the import status page can be refreshed during processing and that the speed is approximately 5 rows per second.