The right weighbridge scale with the right software is an invaluable tool to streamline your shipping and logistics. Weighbridge scales can be used to accurately weigh a truck and its contents to ensure that weight restrictions are adhered to and that bulk goods flowing in and out of locations are recorded.
For the business owner, weighbridge scales are a significant investment, but an important one. Here is how a weighbridge scale can help optimize your business:
Cost
Weighbridge scales are unique in that they are typically fixed to one permanent location to be used for many years. These scales are built strong for wear and tear over a long period of time while also ensuring the least damage to the trucks and equipment being weighed. The investment of a weighbridge scale is minimised by the length of time it is utilized and the penalties for overweight loads it helps a company avoid.
Accuracy
Weighbridges have sensors (or Load Cells) that capture truck readings from multiple different positions as the truck passes. The processors then take the data from the sensors to calculate a truck’s weight at all levels. The accuracy of the reading also ensures that costly penalties are avoided.
Efficiency
Weighbridge scales also have computer capabilities built-in to help make taking weight measurements quicker and more efficient, such as:
- Configurable and automated vehicle classifications.
- The main screen can be customised to:
- Only show relevant data.
- Fill in additional information post weighing.
- Ability to tailor the main screen to only show relevant data for your operations.
- Multiple language options.
- Notification of overweight trucks based on their classification.
- Ability to generate company-tailored reports.
And, with the separate large output display, readings can rapidly be taken from a distance.
Unattended weighbridge systems can also lower costs by reducing or removing operator costs and increasing the hours of operation. Unattended weighbridges are often more efficient by helping to manage the flow of traffic and by allowing drivers to remain in their vehicle.
Automation
Weighbridge scales themselves can be cost effective, accurate, and efficient, but when they are paired with intuitive software, this is when your logistics become truly streamlined. The data taken from the weighbridge can be passed automatically (in real-time) into your ERP for faster and more accurate (without user intervention) Accounts Payable, Receivable and/or Job Cost invoicing, can reduce user input error, and improve purchasing with accurate stock balance verification after a truck dispatches. Not only can your weighbridge software help with streamlining your accounting, it can also be used to comply with traffic safety and consent management regulations.
It is extremely important to choose a software manufacturer with knowledge of the weighing industry in order to properly analyse your needs and make sure that all of your business system requirements are met from the outset.
Do you have a weighbridge? Has it helped optimise your business? Tell us how.
