Accuracy, reliability and efficiency of data are key factors that affect both safety and performance in warehousing and distribution operations. Modern weighing technology also offers a wide range of solutions for automating the majority of tasks in this sector, significantly reducing operation costs and increasing the return on investment.
Let’s look at a few solutions for weighing in a warehouse setting and how it may:
Weighing Systems for Warehouses
Here are some examples of weighing equipment technology currently used in supply chain management:
- Conveyor/Belt Scales – A conveyor scale also known as belt scales measure items while they’re in motion, which reduces the need for lifting and lowering loads. This makes conveyor scales the perfect choice for facilities where weighing speed is important. Conveyor scales are also highly accurate, easy to clean, and can include additional features for sorting and labeling.
- Bench & Shipping Scales – Bench scales and checkweighing scales are the ideal choice for accurately weighing smaller loads and items. These scales are available in various sizes and capacities, but are usually designed to fit into small areas and maximize workspace. They are capable of counting or checkweighing applications. Checkweighing is usually done at the end of the production process and is designed to “check” that the weight of the package of the product falls within the determined weight perimeters.
- Floor Scales – Also known as pallet scales, are used to weigh heavy loads during incoming or outgoing transportation, inventory sorting and other operations requiring the weighing of heavy goods. Floor scales are highly accurate and are available with a wide variety of capabilities. Floor scales can come with many mobility options and wash down capabilities as well as accessories that can be tailored to your weighing requirements. Floor scales can be installed in a pit which sets the scale flush with the surrounding surface allowing loads to be wheeled or pushed onto the scales without lifting. The other option would be to install the floor scale on a level surface near the point of weighing. The goods being weighed would be lifted onto the floor scale that sits a few inches off the level surface.
- Forklift Scales – These compact weighing scales are ideal for high-volume operations since they allow forklift operators to lift and weigh loads on the vehicle. Forklift truck scales automatically record details of origin, storage, and weight during transport as well, which saves time since items can be taken straight to storage after delivery.
- Vehicle Scales – Axle scales, truck scales and other vehicle weighing systems help ensure that cargo and freight are weighed accurately when they are loaded on vehicles. This reduces the risk of fines from overloading, vehicle wear, and tear caused by loads that are too heavy, as well as safety hazards for vehicle operators and warehouse staff. Many businesses have vehicle scales to weigh products for selling and receiving purposes.
Using advanced weighing technology is a great way to improve warehouse productivity, maximizing efficiency and minimizing losses. If you’d like to learn more about which warehouse scale is right for your business needs, contact the team at Quality Scales Unlimited.