Yamato Americas

Commercial and Industrial Weighing Scales and Systems

3 Ways to Train Employees on Weighing Machines

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If you’re a manufacturer that uses weighing machines like checkweighers or combination weighers, there are three main areas it can be helpful to train your employees on. Even if only a basic understanding, the more knowledgeable your employees are, the better equipped they’ll be to run these weighing machines as well as recognize problems and even fix minor ones. Here are three things to make sure they know that Yamato can help provide training on.

Basic Operation

How to operate a weighing machine may seem obvious to you, but the basic operation is a key element for employees to understand and can include many things. Basic operation is about more than how to operate a weighing machine, it also means an understanding of product distribution and delivery. Employees who have a knowledge of that are better equipped to be able to judge adjustments that may be needed while in production as well as speed and accuracy.

Maintenance

Providing your employees with knowledge about maintenance can help them be able to fix minor problems or be able to determine if an issue requires someone with more specialized skills to address the problem. When it comes to checkweighers and combination weighers some things you could talk to your employees about are:

  • Basic scale construction
  • Basic mechanical principles
  • Basic electrical principles
  • ARCNET and system network
  • AICC and AICC-SE controller, the HMI
  • Actuator principles
  • Troubleshooting
  • Test accessories and practices
  • Routine and preventive maintenance

Advanced Applications

This information may be reserved more for senior employees or anyone you may have on staff to handle problems that come up with the machines. Advanced applications could include:

  • Troubleshooting typical scale problems
  • Running product at different speed and weights
  • Understanding high speed operation (above 120/min)

Employees who do have advanced knowledge about how to run applications and troubleshoot can save you time and money. They can also ensure any problems are resolved quickly rather than hours spent trying to figure something out.

Yamato Training

Yamato provides training on-site at customer facilities for any company who would like their employees to be more educated about the machines they work with. On-site instruction generally consists of 3-4 hours per day of classroom instruction, followed by 3-4 hours of hands-on training. Instruction greater than 8 hours/ day, across several shifts, is available, but not recommended unless more than one instructor is used. Training is also available at the Yamato Technology Center in Mequon, WI. Contact Yamato today to set up a training on-site or at our facility.

4 Types of Commercial Scales to Know

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Commercial scales can typically be categorized into four different types, each having a slightly different feature and use. Understanding what kind of commercial scales there are and what their main purpose is can help you in your business to choose the best one for your business’s needs.

1. Digital Scales

A digital scale is characteristically best for businesses that need consistent and high- volume usage such as kitchens in restaurants, bakeries, or an ice cream shop. The digital scale helps with portion control and reducing product waste. Designed for accuracy and speed, they have an easy-to-read digital display and immediate response to weight. Most have an auto shut-off feature to help save on battery usage.

2. Mechanical Scales

Many mechanical scales are being replaced by the easier-to-read and faster digital scales, but that doesn’t mean they’re not still relevant. These scales are a great option for smaller distribution services, such a snack bar or concession stand and anyone looking for a low initial cost. One of the perks of mechanical scales is that they will always be reliable and no electric or battery power is needed to use them. They also are versatile and easily portable.

3. Platform Scales

Platform scales, that can also be known as bench checkweighing scales, are a good choice for businesses that need a scale that can perform multiple functions. These scales can be used for checkweighing, grading, packing, counting, and weight totals. They are made of a stainless-steel material, ideal for messy food operations. Platform scales also have a digital reader, making it easy to decipher measurements. Some have an over/under indicator and meet legal for trade requirements.

4. Legal for Trade Scales

To be considered legal for trade, a scale must fulfill certain standards established by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). The NTEP evaluates the performance, features and options, and operating characteristics of the scale based on its set of applicable standards. A scale can only be advertised as legal for trade if it has passed the series of tests by the NTEP and been given a Certificate of Conformance. Many of the scales mentioned above are NTEP approved but it is something to always check before purchasing. Legal for trade scales are best for businesses in the food industry that regularly calculate sale price based on weight. They are designed to be the most accurate scales available and also have beneficial features, such as easy-to-read digital displays, and many have programmable quick lookup keys.

Having a better understanding of the various commercial scales out there gives you the advantage of knowing exactly which scale will best serve you businesses demands. Yamato can provide you with anyone of these types of scales. To see the different varieties available visit our website to discover which one is best for you.  

How Portion Control Scales Save Money

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Portion control scales will help you give your customers a consistent product. As you probably already know, consistency is a huge part of the restaurant business. Your returning customers expect a certain experience each time they visit, from the ambiance of the restaurant to the flavor and portion size of their favorite dish. Altering any of these factors will damage your restaurant’s reputation and your customers’ loyalty. 

A portion control scale is a great way to maintain consistency. By keeping the same amount of food on each plate, you keep your customers happy and reduce food waste. Keeping your portion sizes consistent will also help you and your employees when it comes time to manage inventory. This further limits food waste and money loss.

Consider the following when it comes time to choose a food service scale for your restaurant.

Portion Control Scale Types

The two main types of food service scales are dial and digital. The type of scale refers to how the user will read the weight. Many favor digital scales because they are very easy to read and give accurate measurements. Digital scales also have electronic controls that are easy to use. They often require batteries or an AC adapter.

Dial portion control scales are favored by others because they do not require batteries or a power source. These types of scales tend to be cheaper than their digital counterparts. While they often have higher weight capacities, some may find dial portion control scales harder to read.

Scale Increments

Many digital scales will allow you to choose your preferred unit of measurement from a host of options. However, dial scales will usually only only display one or two units of measurement. When purchasing a scale, consider the units you will be weighing your portions in. Digital scales tend to be accurate to several decimal points.

Scale Platform

The size and shape of the platform you will be weighing food on should not be overlooked. Platforms are available in various sizes, from around 12 to 200 square inches. The larger the platform, the more your scale will be able to weigh, both in terms of weight, size and shape of food and dishes. Some scales will be named for the exact type of food they are meant to weigh, such as pizza scales.

Specialty Options

  • Wireless scales have a readout screen that can be placed virtually anywhere because it is not attached to the platform by wires. You can mount the screen on a wall or counter top for quick and easy reading.
  • Submersible scales are water-resistant. This makes for easy cleaning and protection from any liquids you are measuring or using near the scale.
  • Computerized scales can keep track of prices or how many servings of a certain type of food is being produced and served.

In Conclusion

Yamato provides scales to companies that are dedicated to giving their customers a consistent product. With our scales, you can ensure that your employees are keeping their portions to your standards. For more information on what we can provide, reach out to us here.