Many plants today use batch-blend systems to create products in bulk. While batch weighing manually is just fine, it is time-consuming and means fewer bulk items released in each period. More plants today are moving toward batching scales in Calgary because they decrease weight times and maximize efficiency.

The Benefits of Adding Batching Scales

Whether you are running small or large-scale operations in Alberta, automated weight batching systems can pay for themselves quite quickly. If you have been on the fence as to whether you should purchase one for your business, here are a few benefits that might convince you they are worth the investment:

1. Improved Product Quality – Your business relies heavily on the consistency and quality of your product. With batching scales, you have more accurate and consistent mixtures than manual practices, which means fewer issues with quality and consistency. When you continually deliver a high-quality product, customers can rely on you, and you build better loyalty as a result.

2. Improved Productivity Times – To maximize your profits, you need faster production on the line. When you use an automated weight batching scale, your system does the work for you, and you free up workers for other tasks, all while increasing productivity and overall output.

3. More Accuracy – Now you have more accurate measurements of your ingredients, which means less material wasted during production. It also makes it easier for you to track production costs and consider your pricing model.

Find the Right Batching Scales in Calgary for Your Business Batch scales are versatile and can be scaled to your exact specifications. They are ideal for everything from portable dry batch to multi-plant operations. When you need batching scales, turn to the team at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. Our batch systems include controllers and software so that you can customize your batching preferences. Furthermore, we can support dry and water materials, including heavy-duty products like concrete mixing. With our unique system, you can build and store multiple recipe files so that your batching scale is versatile enough for all operations. Furthermore, you can rely on our team for all calibration, installation, and repair needs. When you set up a maintenance contract with us, we are here to keep your scales accurate and in compliance with local regulations.

Call us at 403-250-3232 to learn more about our batching scales or to inquire about scales for your Alberta business. You can also complete an online contact form for information about our products and services.

If your business requires that you take highly precise measurements, having the right type of scale(s) is only half the battle. To make sure your system is fully integrated and efficient, you also need the appropriate control system, computer software and applications. A precision scale in itself can reassure your customers that they’re getting what they paid for. The right software, however, can make the weighing process more cost effective for your business. At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. we offer heavy capacity and retail scales, control systems, and software to businesses in the Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Swift Current areas. If you’re interested in saving time and money, you should take another look at your scale control system’s software.

What’s wrong with my manual ticketing system?
If your scales are producing manual tickets independently of your data management systems, your business will be forced to develop a complex method for entering data into your computers. By having your employees manually enter data, you create more opportunities for mistakes to be made as well as inefficiencies in your workflow.

Luckily, it’s not necessary to have employees manually track tickets and products as they’re being weighed. Having the right software in your scale control systems can take care of this task automatically, freeing up your employees for other, more important tasks such as ensuring your customers get the best service possible.

What are some specific ways new software can help my business?
At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer our own Smart1 Software as well as Rice Lake OnTrak Software and Rice Lake TransAct Software. Benefits of these systems include:

• Compatibility with a wide range of computer systems
Our software options work with a wide range of Windows operating systems.

• The ability to build custom applications tailored to your needs
One of the biggest advantages to updating your software is that it gives your business the opportunity to create custom applications that meet its unique needs. Creating applications specific to your business means you’re not paying for features you don’t need.

• Extensive computer skills aren’t required
Upgrading your software won’t require your employees to go through extensive training to get them up to speed.

• We can build your applications for you
If you don’t have the time or expertise to create your own applications, our experts at Accurate/Western Scale Co. can create them for you. It couldn’t be easier to get the latest and best software in order to integrate your precision scales with your data management system.

If your business needs the best precision scale control system software in the Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Swift Current areas, contact us at Accurate/Western Scale Co. today.

Scales are handy devices. From the medical industry to industrial sites, these instruments weigh life-saving medicines, bulk recycling, or large-scale metal. Some are even used to weigh bridges. The weights and measures used when your grandparents were young are not the same as today’s technology. Today’s scales range from laboratory-delicate to robust enough to measure up to 320,000 pounds of a full-scale railcar capacity. If your business in Alberta requires accurate weighing of big loads, you will need high-quality, heavy-duty crane and truck scales.

 

A Variety of Calgary Industries Need Accurate Scales

When you need to meet government, industry and transportation regulations, having the correct weighing equipment is vital to your business. Consider these industries that use heavy duty crane and truck scales:

1. Trucking Industry: To keep their payloads within legal limits and avoid steep fines, the trucking industry needs to abide by strict laws. Onboard truck scales help these large vehicles moving across the country to pass inspections.

2. Railroad Industry: Keeping costs down and safety up is crucial for the railroad industry. A grain elevator has to measure the volume of corn being loaded into the rail cars to ensure regulations are met.

3. Manufacturing Industry: Construction equipment manufacturers use heavy duty scales to weigh trucks and diggers. Imagine the weight of one of these large pieces of equipment. The everyday household scale cannot hold up to the capacity of their larger cousins. Other companies may need to measure the weight of steel, wire drums, or other pieces of their processes.

4. Shipping Industry: To correctly load a freighter headed out to sea, the shipyard needs an accurate measurement of the weight on the boats. A crane scale meets that need as the operator picks up each semi-trailer and puts it in the cargo bay.

5. Other Possible Needs: If you work in hazardous areas, specialty weight systems can make your work easier. Additional uses include pallet trucks and overhead load receptors for abattoirs.

Find the Right Heavy Duty Scales in Calgary, Alberta for Your Business
Industrial scales vary depending on the business you are in. Whether you need to measure livestock, steel, grain, consumer goods, or hazardous materials, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can help. Our knowledgeable staff is trained in all all aspects of industrial weight management. When you need new scales, we can discuss a variety of options and products to fit your specific requirements. Many systems we offer, can be installed and ready for operation in a few hours, getting you back up and running with minimal interruption. Count on our dependable staff with years of experience to fix, update, or convert your existing weighing systems.

Additionally, you can rely on our team for authorized scale inspections. We are Measurement Canada Accredited and can certify specific trade devices on behalf of the Canadian government under the Weights & Measures Act. We maintain strict internal quality control, so you can trust us to do the job right.

Call us at 403-250-3232 to learn more about our heavy duty scales or to inquire about crane and truck scales for your Calgary, Alberta business. You can also complete an online contact form for information about our products and services or to request a quote.

An animal is always moving, so weighing your cattle on a conventional scale is not possible. That is why more farms and livestock firms are using cattle scales in Lethbridge, Red Deer, Calgary, and surrounding cities.

Livestock scales are more accurate and easier to use because they are designed with the animal’s motion in mind. These scales are designed to handle a variety of weights and sizes of livestock too, which increases profits for your business. While helpful, they are a significant upfront investment. Therefore, you must know how to properly maintain your cattle scale and get the most out of that upfront cost. Tips for Cattle Scale Servicing and Maximizing Your Investment Now that you have a livestock scale at your farm or facility, the next step is to ensure it pays back for the cost. Luckily, you only have four critical things to remember here.

1. Set it up correctly. Your scale can be inaccurate when it is not installed correctly. To ensure it is, have a company that specializes in livestock scales in Calgary install it for you. If you are weighing in a particular location, use a permanent scale, but install on a firm, level surface where shifting is not an issue.

2. Electricity source. You need a constant power source for your livestock scale. Make sure the source is within reach and the area can remain dry. Power cords should never be in the way. Also, cell cables should be placed correctly for safety purposes.

3. Remove debris frequently. To prolong the lifespan of your cattle scale, be sure to clean it regularly and remove manure and rocks. Debris can affect weight.

4. Have your livestock scale calibrated frequently. While you might clean your scale, and have it installed correctly, that does not mean it will not require a calibration. Cattle scale servicing is a critical component of proper maintenance. Regular maintenance depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, but in most cases, you will want to re-calibrate and service monthly or quarterly.

Start with the Right Cattle Scales in Calgary, Red Deer, and Surrounding Cities To ensure your livestock business is off to the right start, purchase your cattle scale from Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. We offer all-weather use livestock scales that come with a farm bar so that your scale remains level and as accurate as possible. Calibrating and balancing is done at the factory level to ensure that any installation errors are few and far between. Furthermore, our team can come out and perform cattle scale maintenance monthly or quarterly to keep your scale accurate. We offer portable group animal scales as well, which allows you to take your scale on the road and not sacrifice accuracy or efficiency. We offer scale packages ranging from 2,500 pounds to as high as 10,000 pounds.

Contact our sales team today at 403-250-3232 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about cattle scale maintenance. You may also request a quote online for your new livestock scales in Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and surrounding cities by filling out our contact form.

Your livestock scale is a significant investment for your farm, and while winter slows down your business, you do not shut down because of the snow and colder temperatures.

Most likely, you have your livestock scales outdoors; therefore, now is the time to prepare them for the chills and moisture that comes with winter, so that your scale is ready to go again in the spring. Expert Tips for Managing Scales in the Winter Livestock scales are not easy to move in and out when the temperature changes. They are installed and primed specifically for their installation spot. Therefore, you must prepare your livestock scale for winter where it sits. To do so properly, consider the following:

• Cover the Scale – Will you use your scale in the winter? If so, consider placing a temporary cover over the scale, such as a heavy-duty canopy.

• Consider a Permanent Relocation – While having a livestock scale installed outdoors might make it more convenient when herding livestock for weight, it could prove beneficial to do a permanent relocation indoors. Consider moving your stationary scale into a barn or covered structure so that it is not frequently exposed to the elements.

• Clean the Scale – When putting away your portable or stationary scales for the winter, you want to put them away in a clean state. Allowing dirt, animal debris, and grime to cake and dry over the winter can be detrimental to your scale’s precision.

• Disconnect Electrical Components – While your scale is not in use, disconnect any electrical components so that moisture introduced does not cause a short or electrical shock.

• Upgrade Load Bars – Now is the perfect time to upgrade the scales you have with new load bars, especially those that are fully water resistant. Also, if your indicators are outdated, consider replacing them with the latest models.

Schedule a Professional Calibration for Winter on Your Alberta Scales Whether you are putting your scale away for winter or you relocated it indoors for the colder temperatures, now is the time to bring in the professionals for a calibration. As a livestock owner, it is imperative that your scale is accurate, which means calibrating the unit monthly or anytime the unit has been moved. At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., our team will come out to your farm or facility and inspect your scale. We offer full-scale servicing and maintenance, including calibrations. Our team can install upgraded components, help relocate your scale and calibrate it for use, and repair your livestock scales as needed. To keep your scales working at their best year-round, consider signing up for our pre-scheduled maintenance contracts. On a contract, our team comes out to your farm regularly, services and calibrates your livestock scales, and performs repairs as needed. This ensures your equipment meets all trade requirements right through the year. Contact our technicians today at 403-250-3232 to schedule a service appointment for livestock scales in Calgary. You can also request a quote online for a new livestock scale or instrument by using our contact form.

Taxes are collected on trade items based on weight. Weigh stations also help the government monitor how heavy trucks are passing through the country to ensure that vehicles stay safe on the road. To ensure your company is following Measurement Canada standards, you need an accurate axle scale at your facility.

Typically, scales measure in two elements: axle weight and gross weight. Axle weight refers to the total weight carried by each axle of the truck, while gross weight refers to the total weight of all axles. To measure properly, you need a truck scale. These scales are designed specifically to handle the substantial weight of a large-scale truck, including cargo, and work year-round. When shopping for truck scales in Alberta, you will notice that you have multiple types. Therefore, you need to know what you are looking at, what applications work for what types of scales, and the choices available. The Different Types of Truck Scales in Alberta You Can Buy There are three main types of truck scales. Each type has their use; therefore, pick a scale based on your specific application.

1. Load Cell Scale – The load cell scale is the most common type. Each cell is constructed from steel or another type of strong material. Then, a strain gauge is placed inside the cells with wires. These wires transmit a current and measure the weight based on the compression of the cells. Then, it calculates the weight of the object based on compression. Load cells are typically used on platform scales.

2. Bending Plate Scale – Using a series of metal plates and gauges, these plates measure the stress applied to them to decide the weight of the object. The sum of the stress on each plate is added for a total weight. Bending plates are best if you can bring your trucks to a full stop for weight.

3. Piezoelectric Scale – Using a series of piezoelectric sensors, the pressure on the scale that is altered sends voltage through the electrical conductor. The sensors measure the voltage and calculate total weight based on the voltage amount.

Which Scales Make Sense for Your Business? Deciding between these three main types comes down to your needs specifically. If you want trucks to drive over the application, and install it permanently so that you have a seamless integration, consider pad scales. Pad scales can be installed above or below ground for pit-installed weights. Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers pad axle scales, portable truck scales, and even side rail truck scales so that you can find the right application for you. We proudly carry scales for Swift Current customers, and we offer maintenance packages so that you can maximize your investment. Contact our sales professionals today at 403-250-3232 to review your options for scales in Swift Current. You may also request a quote for new truck scales in the Alberta area by filling out this online contact form.