4 benefits of printing weight data

A retail scale can be an invaluable tool for various businesses, and many are equipped to connect to a printer wirelessly. Indeed, printing your weight data has more advantages than using a scale alone. Here are four benefits you should know about.

It improves customer satisfaction

By printing weight data onto labels, you’ll be able to better inform your customers about what they’re buying. Customers can see the weight of an item and know what they’re getting. Customize your labels to include your business’ name, phone number and name of the product.

It reduces errors

Printing data straight from your scale reduces the risk of human errors. Afterall, an employee could easily write down a scale reading incorrectly or re-enter it into a database the wrong way. Even the smallest typo can lead to a faulty accounting inventory and lost profits. In addition, a digital printout is easier to read than a hand-written one, so there’s less chance of measurements being misinterpreted. Plus, you can print out the same label as many times as you need.

It enhances efficiency

Printing directly from your scale eliminates steps in your data recording process, thereby saving time and energy. There’s no need for staff to rewrite or re-enter scale data. Using a label printer, you can attach the information to printed records to provide a clear copy of the weight, product, date and time the measurement took place, and the employee who used the scale.

It facilitates shipment tracking

If your business sends a lot of packages, you can cut down on the time it takes to prepare them for shipping and tracking. Simply print a sticky label straight from your scale with the key details. You can even include the destination name and address. The printed information will make it easier for your courier to deliver your packages to the correct location.

Scale printers in Calgary and Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer high-speed and compact retail printers that are designed to help you get the job done quickly. The Rice Lake Survivor SST3 Washdown Printer features a stainless steel enclosure to seal out moisture and dust. It’s perfect for printing in meat, food, and chemical plants. We also sell scale accessories such as load cells, mounts and software applications. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote.

4 features to look for in a retail scale

Scales are an essential tool for any business selling products by weight. However, there are a variety of retail scales to choose from with different features and functions. And while every commercial business has its own unique needs, there are some basic attributes to look for in a retail scale. Here are four of them.

Scale certification

Most importantly, your retail scale needs to be legal. Measurement Canada, an arm of the federal government, requires all scales used in a retail capacity to be inspected and certified as “legal for trade.” Scale certification protects the customer from paying too much for a product and shields you from financial losses due to measurement errors.

PLU functionality

If you have a business that sells a variety of items at different price points, then a retail scale with a Price Look-Up (PLU) feature is an invaluable tool. PLUs allow you to store products and their respective prices in the scale’s computer. It allows the cashier to weigh and price products with the push of a button, instead of inputting a bunch of numbers. A PLU function will make your business more efficient and improve the customer experience.

Waterproofness

No matter what your business sells, a retail scale that’s waterproof will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a grocer, run a deli or sell your products at an outdoor farmers market, waterproof scales are easiest to clean and sanitize. A scale with sturdy housing made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) will keep moisture, dust and debris from damaging the internal mechanisms. Look for a model with at least an IP66 rating.

Portability

Depending on what type of business you operate, portability can be a useful option in a retail scale. A rechargeable battery will allow you to move it to different locations in your store or to travel with it to markets, exhibitions and trade shows. In addition, you might find it useful to have a dual LCD screens (so the buyer and seller can both see the display), printing capacity and adjustable feet to ensure the scale is level.

Retail scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a variety of retail scales that will suit any business selling products by weight. We’re accredited by Measurement Canada and all our scales are legal for trade. We are also authorized to perform scale inspections. Our retail scales are available for sale or rent. To learn more or to get a free quote, contact us today.

5 signs your industrial scale may need to be replaced

Industrial scales must be accurate and reliable to ensure safe and successful operations. Unfortunately, they can become less dependable over time — especially if they’re not properly handled, maintained and stored. Here are five signs your industrial scale is no longer providing correct measurements and may be in need of replacement.

Inconsistent readings

If items that generally have the same weight begin to produce significantly different readings, it might be a sign that your scale isn’t functioning properly. Start by verifying that the device is sitting on a level surface. Move it if necessary, and weigh your objects again. If you continue to get inconsistent readings, try measuring an item with an exact weight, such as a five-pound weight. If your scale registers anything other than five pounds, you’ll know it needs to be calibrated or replaced.

Discrepancies between scales

If you get different readings for the same item on different scales, there could be something wrong with one or both of the devices. Calibrate them, or have a professional do so, to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your scale.

Unstable readings

This refers to when a reading doesn’t hold steady while an object is on the scale. Typically, it signals an electronic malfunction in the digital indicator. Unstable results can also occur alongside changes in humidity, due to the static charge in the air. Static discharges can cause the weight reading to drift.

Display issues

The performance of your scale’s weight display can be impacted by several factors. If the reading becomes difficult to see, check whether there’s an issue with the power source. If your scale runs on batteries, try changing them. Furthermore, when there aren’t any items on the scale, make sure the display shows a reading of zero. If this isn’t the case, it could be a sign that the scale needs to be calibrated or replaced.

Corrosive damage

Many types of scales can sustain damage in moist environments. Additionally, extreme temperatures can affect the internal mechanisms, causing them to malfunction. If you notice signs of rust or degradation, it might be time to replace your scale.

Industrial scales in Calgary

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. installs, maintains, repairs and restores commercial and industrial scales. We offer service throughout much of Alberta, including in Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, Red Deer and Swift Current. Our certified technicians can inspect and calibrate all makes and models. Plus, all of our repair work is guaranteed. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote.

How to choose a scale for weighing commercial food

Scales can be used to weigh meats, fruits, vegetables and various other types of food in restaurants, warehouses and markets, among other settings. Plus, they come in numerous shapes and sizes to meet a business’ specific needs. So how do you choose the right one? Here are some things to consider when selecting a commercial scale for weighing food.

Weighing capacity

All scales have weight limits, including both maximum and minimum requirements. A high-capacity scale is ideal for measuring large quantities of bulk ingredients, while a low-capacity device works best for smaller portions and expensive ingredients like spices. Before purchasing a scale, be sure to check the weight capacity specifications to ensure you get a product that meets your needs.

Readability

A clear display helps ensure measurement visibility and accuracy. Scales can be either digital or mechanical. Digital scales tend to be more popular, as they display precise readings down to the last gram. However, mechanical scales are portable and don’t require a power source.

Hygiene

It’s essential to maintain good hygiene practices when working with food. Commercial scales must be easy to clean and sturdy enough to withstand repeated handling. Look for a scale that’s resistant to spills and frequent washing. Additionally, choose a stainless steel product that has a removable pan to make cleaning more efficient.

Types of scales

How you intend to use the device should be a major factor when choosing a scale. Common types of commercial food weight scales include:

  • Portion control scales, which are used to serve consistent portions.

  • Receiver scales, which are intended to weigh items in bulk as they arrive. They can be relied on to accurately record the inventory you receive.

  • Hanging scales, which provide a flexible way to measure irregularly shaped produce, meats and dry goods. They’re usually hung from the ceiling, but some can be handheld.

  • Price computing, or legal-for-trade scales, which determine the price of a product based on its weight or by connecting to a point-of-sale system that performs the calculations.

  • Baking scales, or balance scales, use a set of weights to provide precise measurements.

Commercial scales in Alberta

If you’re looking to measure food and other products with precision, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can help. We offer a variety of commercial scales, including counting scales, price computing scales and precision scales in Calgary, Red Deer and Swift Current. We’re an approved service provider accredited by Measurement Canada. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

Guide to Site Planning for Truck Scales

When it comes to planning your weigh station, the site must be able to meet your needs and accommodate the growth of your operation. Here are a few of the most important considerations to keep in mind. Traffic flow The first step to successful site planning assessing the traffic flow of your facility. Small Operations Usually only require one scale, a few parking spots and minimal space for manoeuvring.However, large operations often require more than one scale, plenty of space for parking and staging areas, as well as room for trucks to line up. It’s a good idea to mark out the configuration of your site and, if possible, drive a full-size truck around the facility to check for any tight spots or potential safety issues. Site condition: Before starting construction, it’s important to look out for the following:

  • Obstructions: You’ll need to locate water lines, gas lines, power lines, sewers and drains so that they can be moved or avoided during construction. In addition, you should have your site inspected for high water tables, bedrock and sinkholes.

  • Drainage: Scales require adequate drainage as trapped water and moisture could cause them to corrode. Furthermore, if you live in a cold climate, water continually freezing and thawing underneath or around your scale can cause the foundation to heave.

  • Soil bearing: The soil at your site should be tested to determine if it’s strong enough to support the foundation, the scale and the loads the scale will be weighing. The soil bearing will determine which style of foundation you can use.

Keeping these factors in mind will ensure the longevity of your site. Foundation The type of foundation you choose for your weight station is crucial. If your foundation cracks or shifts, it could throw your scale out of alignment, thereby requiring serious repairs or even replacement. Here are the four main types of foundations you can choose from:

  • Pier foundations are cheap but require a high soil bearing capacity

  • Beam slab foundations are expensive but stronger than pier foundations

  • Pit foundations are suitable for small sites and provide easy access to technicians

  • Above-ground foundations are affordable but require a lot of space

Lastly, if you need help with site planning, the knowledgeable staff at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can help. Industrial scales in Alberta At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we sell and rent a variety of fixed and portable truck scales to customers and business owners in Calgary and throughout the surrounding areas in Alberta. In addition, our expert service staff can provide on-site installations and 24/7 maintenance and repair services to ensure your equipment works as intended. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

7 key things to consider when choosing a scale for your laboratory

Are you looking for a precision scale for your laboratory? If so, you’ll need to consider a number of factors to ensure the data you collect is accurate. Here’s what you need to look for when choosing a scale for your lab.

1. Size of pan/weighing platform

The items you weigh must fit onto the pan or weighing platform. It can’t hang over the side, as this will lead to unstable readings and inaccuracies. Purchase a scale that has a pan large enough to easily contain your largest items.

2. Minimum readability

Minimum readability is the smallest unit the scale will measure and display. For example, scale with a minimum readability of 1 gram will display results in only whole grams, with no fractions or decimals. Determine what readability you need when choosing a scale.

3. Capacity

Determine what are the heaviest items to be weighed and then choose one with a capacity that’s double that amount. This will ensure that the items you measure will be well within the scale’s limits.

4. Portability

Will you need to move your scale from one location to another? If so, wireless scales with rechargeable batteries will make your scale more portable. Some models even come with durable, hard-shell carrying cases.

5. Overload protection

All scales have a maximum limit. If you exceed this limit, overload protection will ensure that the scale being used will simply display an error message. Overload protection guards your scale’s circuitry in the event that an item with too much mass is placed on the pan.

6. Data collection capabilities

Modern scales give you the ability to weigh items and send the data straight to your computer or laptop. You can seamlessly incorporate your information in spreadsheets, graphs or reports.

7. Mechanical or digital

Mechanical scales don’t need batteries or electricity, which is great if your lab is in the field. However, digital scales have a number of useful features including various weighing units, data handling and data storage capabilities. Digital scales are also more precise and are built to resist environmental damage.

Scales in Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers a wide variety of precision laboratory scales and balances. We provide weight scale products and services in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Swift Current and surrounding areas in Alberta. Our qualified scale professionals can help determine what precision scale is best for your lab. Contact us today and learn how we can help.