Is it Time for a Precision Scale Calibration?

When a product is being weighed either for materials added to a batch or for distribution, it is imperative that the scale to be used is correctly calibrated. The value of inspections and regular precision scale calibration is that it ensures you get the most out of your facility’s scale.

After all, a product that costs $10 per pound with an average of 1,000 pounds weighted on the scale comes out to $10,000 in value. If the scale had a calibration issue of 0.5 percent, that would cost your company $50 per day. Eventually, that $50 per day adds up in losses that will significantly impact your bottom line. When is the Proper Time for a Precision Scale Calibration Precision scales are highly accurate, but still require proper calibration at regular intervals and maintenance to operate at peak performance. Deciding when to calibrate is easy when you know the signs to look for, and also the requirements. Consider the following when thinking about when to schedule your Precision Scale services:

  • Legal for Trade – If your business buys or sells products based on weight, you are required to calibrate your scales. You must meet all weight scale requirements and standards set by Measurement Canada. Your company is likely to be inspected, and if your scale is found to be out of calibration or tolerance, you may be required to shut down until your scales meet the proper requirements.

  • Time and Use Factor – The longer and more frequently your scale is used, the more it is likely to face calibration issues. After all, time and use affect accuracy. The error, at first, might be minor. However, that mistake margin will continue to grow. If you weigh thousands or even hundreds of products per day at a capacity of 50 percent or more, then you should have your scale calibrated quarterly – ideally, monthly.

  • Movement of Scales – How often do you relocate your scale in your facility? If you move your scales around frequently, this will affect the calibration.

  • Environment – The environment of your scales also matters. If they are used in a packing production environment or subjected to moisture and cold temperatures, they require more frequent calibration than dry conditions.

Schedule servicing for your Precision Scales with your Certified Local Professionals Your company cannot risk having a scale that is out of calibration. A few percentages off will eventually turn into hundreds of dollars of potential profit lost. At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. we have service team members who are highly skilled and have completed training in the latest electronic scales. For your precision scale needs near Swift Current, have our team come to your location monthly or quarterly to inspect and calibrate. We ensure that all units are to specifications required by the Weights & Measures Act, and we can do on-site installations for scales and other measurement devices when necessary.

Contact our technicians today at 403-250-3232 to schedule a service or calibration for your precision scales. You may also request a quote online for a new precision scale by filling out our contact form.

Rent or Buy? Renting versus Buying Scales in Alberta

While you might use industrial scales every day for your business, you may not necessarily need to buy them.

The decision to rent or purchase weighing equipment depends on the circumstances specific to your company. In many cases, owning a weighing system makes sense. In other situations, renting your scales is a more logical and cost effective option. Weighing the Options: How to Choose Between Scale Rental or Purchase To determine the best choice for your business, you will need to consider a variety of details. If you are trying to decide whether to buy or rent scales, here are some of the top factors to think about:

  • Available Funds – You might want to purchase a weighing system for your company, but do you have the funds available to do this? If you are barely keeping the doors open, you might want to consider renting the scales you need. You can always buy the equipment you need later when your business is more profitable.

  • Lower Overall Cost – If you have the funds needed and are concerned with overall cost, buying your scales could be the better option. This is particularly true if you plan to use your scales for a long time. The initial price for such equipment could be less than the amount you would pay over a considerable length of time.

  • Maintenance Responsibility – When you rent weighing equipment, you typically do not need to worry about paying for the maintenance yourself. Upkeep may be part of the rental contract, leaving you with less responsibility and expense.

  • Proper Fleet Management – If you operate a fleet of trucks and can take on the task of managing equipment, purchasing your scales could be the right solution. You will have more control over the usage of your weighing systems.

  • Upgrade Capacity – Buying your scales means that you will not always be able to upgrade when you wish. Renting the equipment you need may be a wiser strategy if you plan to upgrade on a regular basis.

  • Seasonal or Temporary Need – You should certainly consider renting if your need for equipment is temporary. When your business only requires a weighing system for a short time, buying it does not make sense. When you suspect that your requirement might be short-lived, it is wise to consider renting the scales initially. If that need changes and you require commercial scales on a long-term basis, you might then wish to buy them.

Scales to Meet Your Requirements in Alberta Professional and industrial scales are used for a broad variety of purposes. We at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. are delighted to help you meet your business needs. We provide both small and large weighing systems. Depending on your circumstances, you can rent or buy our weighing products. Please keep in mind that some scales, such as crane scales, are not legal for trade; therefore, they can only be calibrated and not certified.

If you have questions about certifying or calibrating your scales, you can call us at 403-250-3232. We provide scales in Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Swift Current, Alberta. Do not hesitate to complete our online contact form for more information.

Why Is Scale Servicing Important?

When you use scales for your business, you need them to be as accurate and functional as possible. Failing to keep your scales calibrated and serviced could cost your company money.

If it has been a while since you had a professional inspect your scales, it is time to schedule an appointment for a service visit. 5 Reasons to Have Your Scales Service By scheduling routine maintenance for your scales, you will accomplish a variety of objectives. Consider these advantages of regular scale servicing:

  • Longevity of Equipment – Periodic maintenance will lengthen the lifespan of each of your scales. If there are any problems with your equipment, one of our professionals will catch it and repair it if possible. This will enable you to use your scales for a longer period of time without the need to replace them.

  • Better Performance – In addition to increasing the lifespan of your scales, getting them serviced will enhance their overall performance. When you make the investment of acquiring quality equipment, you should take steps to ensure that it delivers quality performance. Your scales must be professionally maintained in order to stay in top working condition.

  • Limited Effect of Poor Calibration – Sometimes, commercial scales are poorly calibrated in the manufacturing process. To reduce the chance that your scales are inaccurate, have them inspected by a Measurement Canada certified professional.

  • Improved Customer Relations – When you put forth the extra effort to make sure your scales are properly calibrated and working as intended, your customer relations will improve. Customers might not notice if items are being weighed properly, but they will be much more likely to notice if products are not being accurately weighed. You can prevent the loss of business by getting your scales serviced on a regular basis.

  • Industry Compliance – If you utilize a weighing system for your business, you may need to meet regulatory standards for your industry. By keeping your quality scales well maintained, you will help to ensure that your business is meeting the guidelines required to remain compliant.

Scale Calibration and Other Services in Alberta
Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. provides all of the scale maintenance that your business will need. Our test trucks are designed to accommodate whatever scale calibration and other maintenance needs your business might have. Our team members are highly qualified to inspect your weighing equipment.

We can also install the equipment your business needs, and you can be certain that you will always get a quality weighing system. We provide businesses with scales in Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Swift Current, Alberta. Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. is proud to install and service the professional or industrial weighing equipment your company requires. Because we are Measurement Canada accredited, you can be confident that we will do the job right the first time.

You can reach us at 403-250-3232 to schedule a scale servicing appointment for your business. Please also feel free to request a quote online by filling out our contact form.

Could Scale Control Systems Help Improve Your Business?

Your business relies on precise measurements to create your products, and also to accurately monitor inventory. Instead of relying on traditional scales, a scale control system could be the ideal solution.

Scale controls ensure accuracy with each batch and prevent completion of your recipes or development process until proper measurements are obtained. By doing so, you reduce waste and improve productivity. 5 Benefits of Using Control Systems for Your Scales in Red Deer, Calgary, and Other Warehouse Locations across Alberta Your warehouse is constantly innovating. While you have high-quality scales in use, you need an innovative way to control. Scale software applications combined with control units provides you with superior control. Here are some important benefits of upgrading your systems with proper scale control systems and related software:

  • Automation of Tedious Tasks Your scales in Calgary and other warehouse locations need weighing and process controls that reduce demands on staff. Scale controls are pre-programmed and specifically designed to make weighing processes easier, automatic, and fast.

  • Control Even the Largest Batches – Batching control systems ensure your ready-mix products and blocks meet all specifications. Batch controls are efficient, configurable, and come with split batching for added versatility.

  • Level and Inventory Control with One Device – Scale software applications programmed correctly measure all inventory counts, giving you precise measurements about what is left in vats or containers. You can set notifications for low vat quantities and create automatic reordering so that inventory remains accurate and well-stocked.

  • Multiple Communication Options – You can purchase a scale control that uses the type of connection you need. From serial communications to wireless and binary code decimal, these checks are customized to suit your existing scales and software.

  • Multiple Configurations – Set up separate workstations to handle combination, batch, or campaign weights with ease.

Where You Purchase a Control Scale in Calgary or Surrounding Areas Matters Companies offering Alberta scale systems, like Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., can customize scale control systems to suit your plant or warehouse applications.

Our scale control systems are calibrated to suit your measuring, inventory control system, and capacity needs. We carry a variety of scales, including scale microcontrollers, custom weighing systems, concrete batch controllers, and FlexWeigh Systems.

Need something suited to your warehouse? The Western Control System is our proprietary unit created for any industry, including wireless systems, highway scales, inventory control, batching and filling systems, and automated bulk weight systems. Our team configures the scale control to suit your needs. It also integrates seamlessly with PCs, RFIDs, and PLCs for universal applications.

Our team can help to maintain your scales for superior accuracy and compliance with all Canadian regulations. To ensure accuracy with each batch, have our team come to your facility and service your scales and control systems throughout the year.

Call us at 403-250-3232 to learn about our controls for scales in Lethbridge, Calgary or surrounding cities within Alberta. You can also request a quote for your monitoring system online by completing this contact form online.

Do You Need Different Systems and Scales for Weighing Unattended Vehicles?

Truck scales come in many forms, including attended and unattended weighing scales. Each type has their use and operational requirements. When deploying in-ground weight systems, you must decide between unattended and attended systems.

An unattended vehicle system requires guaranteed precision and a reliable terminal, while attended systems have staff on-site. Today, more government agencies, warehouses, and cargo companies are shifting to unattended weighing so that they can streamline operations without requiring more staff. It takes away the hassles of an operator monitoring weights throughout the day and reduces the chances of human error. Benefits of Using Scale Software Applications for Unattended Vehicles If you are hesitant about upgrading your scales in Red Deer, Calgary, or surrounding cities, these compelling reasons are worth considering. You may find that you lean more favourably toward the unattended weight options over attended weighing:

  • Control the Loading Process – An unattended system integrates with a batch loading system for automatic, unattended loading. The unattended system utilizes the truck scale to load and weigh the cargo simultaneously.

  • Reduce Manpower Demands – An unattended batching scale in Lethbridge and other plant locations reduces workforce demands on your company. The driver interfaces with the system directly via terminals and the controller initiates the load sequence with pre-set weight parameters controlling the load. The terminal can include a ticket printing system for hard copy verification.

  • Innovative Interfaces for Truck Weighing – With the right software application, you can combine camera monitoring, unattended weight terminals, transaction screens, and controllers to automate weighing fully. Furthermore, these calibrated systems are compliant with all transportation regulations.

  • Better Tracking – Unattended systems collect operator data. The system then updates your main interface using a radio frequency card reader (RFID) for instant driver identification and batch loading.

  • Access to New Technology – The technology used in scales is continually transforming. Today, you can add on new features like QWERTY keyboards, instant driver identification systems, intercoms, and so on.

  • Lower Operating Costs – When your warehouse or plant is able to lower operational costs, you increase cash flow for your business. Furthermore, when you utilize an unattended weight system, you can expand service hours without requiring the costs of staff on-hand at all hours.

Where You Purchase Unattended Scales in Calgary Matters Too It is imperative that your unattended systems be compliant with all transportation regulations in Canada and the United States. To ensure that, you must purchase your Alberta scales from a reputable supplier.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers the technology you need for weighing unattended vehicles and the powerful scale software applications for precision with each batch or load.

Our team not only sells you the scales you need, but we also service and repair those scales so that you do not have to worry about compliance issues down the road.

Call us at 403-250-3232 to learn about weighing unattended scales in Lethbridge, Calgary or Alberta areas. You can also complete an online contact form for quotes on weight control systems.

The Benefits of Employing Batching Scales in Calgary Plants

As a Plant manager, you are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve your plant efficiency and accuracy. To remain profitable, you need to ensure that your operation works faster, but without sacrificing quality control. With the use of intelligent scales, such as a batching scale, you can do just that.

5 Reasons Using Batching Scales in Red Deer Plants is Beneficial Scale systems are a significant investment, which is why many plants are hesitant about batching scale renting or even purchasing one outright. However, they are well worth the investment when you consider what they can do for your facility. Here are some important reasons plants should consider batching scales:
  • Combat Production Inefficiencies – When a plant operates based on weight, having a batching scale can reduce the amount of time your team needs to measure out products. With a batching scale, they simply add to the scale to meet the batch weight, and then move to the next step. It eliminates the risk of inefficient counting or inaccurate measuring.

  • Easy Integration – An automatic batching system easily integrates with your in-house PLC systems.

  • Easy to Use – You do not want to deploy a system that requires extensive training. So when you purchase an electronic batching scale, employees do not need to learn a complex system. Instead, they simply push a button, and the machine is programmed to do the rest.

  • Maximize Your ROI – As a business owner, you naturally want to see a return on any investment you make. When you reduce batching and mixing errors or the number of bad batches you must discard, you are improving your ROI instantly.

  • Quality Defense – When employees are producing products in high quantities, you want to ensure that every product meets your quality specifications. With batching scales, you have a quality defense measure in place that prevents bad batches and reduces the likelihood a client will receive a subpar product from your company.

Remember Batching Scale Servicing is Equally Important
There are benefits to having batching scales in Calgary plants, but your scale is only as accurate and efficient as the maintenance you put into it.

To ensure your scale is measuring correctly, you need to have it serviced regularly. The team at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can provide you with periodic maintenance and servicing. Furthermore, we are a local batching scale supplier, so we carry a full range of scales to suit every warehouse need.

Whether you are looking to add a scale to your facility or you would like to replace your scale with newer technology, we can help you find the right one based on your budget and needs.

Call us at 403-250-3232 to learn about our batching scales. You can also complete an online contact form for quotes on batching scale renting and servicing.