Weighing Technology Integration

Getting information from a scale is only helpful if it can be used to implement some sort of corresponding action. This is true for any type of scale use. If you are weighing livestock for dosage information, you want the weight as soon as possible so that you can chart it and determine the appropriate amount of antibiotic or wormer to dose the animal. The same is true in other applications. Contractors need to know if the concrete is dry enough to continue. If they start too early, there project could be compromised. But, on the other hand, contractors do not want to waste any unnecessary time. So, basically, the less time that elapses between reading the scale and utilizing the information, the better it is for all involved. There is a very effective way to bridge this gap. Integrating your weighing technology into the computer systems that you already have up and running will be an extremely efficient undertaking. The integration process is relatively simple and its benefits are worth the extra effort it will initially require to set it up. Wireless weighing systems have the capabilities to send the information on to hand held devices or to computer systems. This relay of this information will speed up the information transfer. It will also take human error out of the equation. There are many options available to successfully integrate the information you gather. Scales are available equipped with an analog output. This output is capable of communicating with programmable logic controllers, as well as with chart recorders. Ethernet connectivity is also an option, as is wireless Ethernet option. This connectivity option will allow you to control and watch over you scales using your own local network. Remote Indicator software will allow the connection to occur. Using this connection and your computer, you will be able to analyze your data. You can sort it, group and save it in your records. This connection will also allow you, or anyone that you permit, to access the scale via the internet. As data is gathered, it often times needs to be recorded for future reference. The Memory Stick option proves to be an invaluable asset. This option allows data logging to occur. The data is saved on a USB memory stick. When the data is needed, the stick may be removed and used with a personal computer. The data that has been recorded can be accessed using the Microsoft program Excel. There are still more options available to help integrate your scale information into your systems. Many scales are equipped with RS-232 computer/printer ports. USB ports are also available. For a network of scales, opt for the RS-485 port. In addition to the communication abilities, scales also have set point controllers. These are useful for filling operations. This function will allow you to set up target weights. When the scale reaches the desired weight point, your preferred function will occur. Using the scale’s menu, you can input formulas that will control how the scale will act. These formulas will be saved and you can access them at a later time.