Traffic Light Scales are used to weigh various products and packages, whilst visually verifying over/under/okay products, allowing workers to quickly correct the item on the scale with minimal guesswork.
With escalating costs, and downward pressure on product prices, growers are continually on the lookout for simple ways to increase productivity. Fresh produce relies heavily on manual packing processes, often utilising casual labour to pack into punnets/boxes/bags ready for supermarket consumers.
Labour is typically the biggest cost to a business, but there is another that can go unmeasured – the cost of extra produce given away in overfilled packs. This can add up to thousands of dollars per week if unchecked.
An emerging trend within the food packing industry has shown how looking at weights in a different light (or lights in this case) can lead to substantial savings.
Rather than focussing on a numeric weight display, packers have utilised traffic light signals on their packing scales to improve product yields with some staggering results. This simple idea has two immediate benefits: reduce over-filled packs and increase packer speeds.
People respond to signals with far less thought process than looking at numbers. Green means ‘GO’, Red means ‘NO’. It is part of everyday life, transcending language and cultural communication barriers.
By utilising packing traffic light scales that have a target based signal system, packing staff and management alike enjoy immediate benefits; stringent fill targets can be set for both upper and lower weight bands. Packing staff are able to quickly fill and check that products are correct, and the increased visibility of red/green lights means management can easily oversee performance.
Factors to Consider When Using Traffic Light Scales
● Environmental factors: The accuracy of the scale may be impacted by temperature and vibrations; as such, it is crucial to utilise the scale in a steady, controlled environment. Be aware of strong overhead fans in the working environment as well.
● Moisture and humidity factors: The accuracy of the scale may be impacted by moisture and humidity. If the environment you intend to utilize the scale in is generally a wet area, then you may need to consider a traffic light scale with sufficient IP rating to suit your application.
● Data Output options: Some Traffic Light scales have the capability to send outputs to lights or buzzers although a lot of users may not realise this functionality exists. It’s worth checking with your local scale supplier to see what scale models already have this type of output.
● Bench space: Some packing sheds and manufacturing plants have limited space for operators, and the size of the scale may become a factor. It’s worth checking with your local scale supplier to see what scale sizes are available.
Types of Traffic Light Scales
The A&D FS-Ki Series Wet Area IP65 Checkweighing Traffic Light Scales
This A&D FS-Ki wet area traffic light checkweighing scale performs best in product preparation and packaging environments. It’s fully stainless-steel construction ensures longevity in the harshest areas. Easy to clean and approved for trade by N.M.I. Australia.
The A&D HV-C/CP Multi-Functional Platform Scale with Traffic Lights
This high performance, multi-functional traffic light platform scale is ideal for standard industrial applications. Improve efficiency in your weighing process with fast stabilisation times and built-in LED lights for quick comparator judgments.
The FG-CWP Platform Scale with Comparator Lights
A&D’s new FG-CWP series of IP67 rated waterproof platform scales allows for easy cleaning with alcohol as well as with water. This makes the series suitable for use in environments such as food-processing factories. Three models available: 30kg, 60kg and 150kg and an optional bluetooth interface available.
The IP65 HV-CWP Platform Scale with Comparator Lights
The IP65 HV-CWP series platform scales with stainless steel construction and high speed measurement has been manufactured to meet the demands of even the most challenging industrial applications. The HV-CWP scales come standard with bright multi-coloured comparator lights and is supplied in 3 different capacities
The IP69K SW Platform Scale with Comparator Lights
The popular SW Series is a heavy duty platform scale with a protection level of IP-69K. Ideally suited for the harshest environment where even good quality waterproof devices are found wanting. Suitable for regular high pressure hosing and cleaning. The scales come standard with bright multi-coloured comparator lights.
The SJ-WP Bench Scale with Traffic Lights
The popular SJ-WP Series bench scales ensures the highest level of protection in weight measurement. The bright multi-coloured comparator lights ensure efficient and accurate packing.
The HT-CL Compact Packing Scale with Traffic Lights
This HT-CL scale is ideal for efficient packing! Highly-visible, multi-colored LED comparator lights make packing small fruits, vegetables, etc., within their designated limits much faster and more accurate than a numeric display alone.
Conclusion
We offer a vast range of high quality products, and some with trade approval by N.M.I. Australia. If you need to chat to a team member about finding the right A&D weighing scale for your business, you can get in touch with us here.