Remote connectivity is changing the landscape of every industry. Communicating anywhere with fiber optic speed has become an indispensable part of modern day business. This applies to production methods as well. Arlyn Scales understands this, and is familiar with a wide range of systems for infrastructure when it comes to weighing. We work with industries ranging from farms to factories, helping each one move accurate information quickly and smoothly.
There’s a good reason that 60% of US companies offer telecommuting options according to Bloomberg. It’s comfortable for employees, saves on infrastructure for businesses, and cuts out the hours spent on a long commute. However, these benefits don’t happen without a strong communication and information network for all your relevant data. Arlyn Scales offers scales of various strengths, sizes and capacities with flexible options for communication, data sharing and more.
Forward Data Directly into Your Computer System
Data recording doesn’t need to be done manually by seeing a readout, or even by a paper print out. Although these options are common and certainly appropriate for many businesses, once you start diversifying your location, usually the data needs to be sent further, and organized even more carefully to guarantee accurate measurements and records.
Arlyn Scales offers software that can be collected from one or multiple scales, and forwards that data directly into the computer system. You can build a collection system that includes floor scales, bench scales, parts counters, drum scales, and more. You can have up to ten different scales linked up to a computer with a special Windows-based program, Remote Indicator, to achieve this.
Variety of Communication Ports
Usually, the printer ports available on scales are RS-232 standard communication ports, a circuit which is only capable of supporting a single device. This means that you would need to somehow attach multiple RS-232 ports on the computer, and run a separate cable for each scales that is connected. Arlyn Scales offers a better type of communication port, the RS-485.
The RS-485 is an improvement on the other model because it allows multiple scales to be connected by means of a single cable. This cable can run to a computer, and daisy chain to each scale in the weighing system. On the computer end, Arlyn offers an adapter that allows the RS-485 to interface with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter device. The adapter reads the data input from the scales, and converts it into a standard USB format. You would be hard pressed to find a modern computer or laptop that does not sport the USB, meaning that remote locations and workers can be fairly confident in being able to use this equipment regardless of whatever computer or weighing equipment they already have in place.
Not only that, this system is relatively inexpensive to implement, and is overall simple to use. Any industry professional already working with your hardware will not find it particularly challenging to make adjustments for the RS-485 setup.
Free Remote Indicator Software from Arlyn Scales
Once you have a way to collect your data, you need reliable software to help you sort and store it in a way that will be accessible and usable in the future. Arlyn Scales offers free Remote Indicator Software as a solution. This Windows-based software lets operators view the real-time weight of up to ten different scales at the same time. The weight displayed on the computer monitor is a copy of the display on the digital indicator common with many scales.
The beauty of the Remote Indicator is that it allows data to be fed directly into your Access Database table or an Excel spreadsheet. You can also note the time the record was made, which is useful for certain chemical mixtures, or just as a matter of keeping a more precise record. This makes it an excellent way to monitor weight on scale platforms remotely.
You also have greater options for data breakdown and presentation when using this method. It’s not uncommon for professionals who need complex weighing systems to want to insert data weight directly into their own software application. This could be for purposes of accounting, inventory control, or any task that requires a special program. Arlyn Scales has a solution for this challenge as well.
Free ‘Send Keys’ Utility from Arlyn Scales
The free ‘Send Keys’ utility from Arlyn Scales sends weight data into the field that has the focus, or is currently active, in any program based off Windows. It is the equivalent of the user painstakingly typing each data point into the required field, but instead the program takes care of that function. This also gives you the option of working with Visual Basic or similar programs if you prefer. These programs also can be used to control peripheral hardware, like feeders or fillers.
The custom program could allow for control over the hardware outputs that are passed through relays. These outputs flip a variety of different switches on or off, controlling valves, pumps and solenoids. The weight that is delivered from the weighing platform of the scale will then be the parameter of control. This software can also be part of a feedback control loop in which the scales and dispensary valves are being fed information from the computer, letting you retain tight control over flow rate, speed, and quantity of the material dispensed.
Contact Arlyn Scales to Learn More about Remote Software & Connectivity
No matter what your motives are, whether you are looking to downsize your buildings, hire talent from out of your location, or simply link more locations into your production network, Arlyn Scales can help you install a data network that will contour to your needs. You will be able to automate a wide range of time-consuming features and data entry chores for a more efficient, “big picture” type of workflow. You can share, store and present data like never before with tools to feed your numbers right into Excel, Access Database, or your other data manipulation tools. Contact us by calling 800-645-4301 or visiting our website.
