count files in a directory

hi

I need a script to count files as they come into a directory.

I only need to count the files not the other directories. the general idea is that files will come into the directory to be processed then disappear once moved on to be parsed. We need to get a snapshot of  the number of files coming into a directory over a period of time.

Hoping that made sense ! I have all relevant permissions to access the Server etc

cheers in advance

M.