Bakery Reduces Ingredient Waste and Bad Batch Costs by Over $39,000

A large national baking company realized that improving the performance of their minor ingredient scaling could lead to a significant impact on their profitability. Additionally they were averaging one bad batch a week due to errors in the minor ingredient hand adds. They looked to Doran Scales to provide the solution to reduce costs from wasted ingredients and bad batches.

THE SOLUTION was a Doran FC6200 Formula Control Scale. A Doran FC6200 is installed at the ingredient scaling station. Ingredient batching is automated, stepping the user through the formula and ensuring the correct ingredients are accurately scaled every time. Formula Loader software is installed on a PC. This recipe software is used to create and maintain minor ingredient batches. Recipes, formulas and production schedules are then uploaded to the FC6200 through USB flash drive or through an Ethernet connection. Increase accuracy is achieved through user programmable ingredient target weights and tolerances giving management effective control of the batching operation. Multi-tasking Operators who are distracted by other production responsibilities can now return to the partially scaled formula assured that the scale will pick up right where they left off, prompting them through the remainder of the formula without error. Ingredient Lot Numbers are automatically recorded for traceability during formula scaling while ensuring each ingredient meets the desired weight tolerance.

CAS LPII and PD-1 Scales Being Discontinued

Time to upgrade to the CL5000 Label Printing Scale and PD-2 POS Interface Scale.  Effective immediately, CAS Corporation is discontinuing the production of the CAS LPII Label Printing Scale and PD-1 POS Interface Scale. Limited stock is available for both LP-2G and LP-2W models. Have you tried the CL5000 Label Printing Scale or PD-2 POS Interface Scale?  Contact your Central Carolina Scale sales rep or visit the CL5000 and PD-2 web pages for product information.

The CL5000 Label Printing Scale has the functions you need at an affordable price. Includes CL-Works software package. Use in supermarkets, specialty stores, deli’s and more. The CAS PD-II Electronic Cash Register Scale comes complete with an RS-232C Interface, and bright VFD Display. The PD-II scale is ideal for retail establishments Continue reading

No Network Available for Data Collection? No Problem.

Over the past several years Doran Scale has become a leader in scale communication and data collection applications. With the new advanced features on the 2200 series this system now offers more flexibility in real world data collection applications. While collecting data using Ethernet and a Local Area Network (LAN) is ideal in many instances, there are times when this is not practical because of complexity, facility restrictions or cost. An ideal solution when a LAN is not available is the Doran 2200 Scale with the Bluetooth option utilizing data buffering.

The 2200 with the Bluetooth option (EXOPT205 ) is set up with an appropriate data string which could include Product ID, Description, User defined fields for Lot ID, Employee ID or Location and scale information. Data buffering is enabled in configuration and the data output method is selected. This could be a manual output by pressing the PRINT button or one of several automatic outputs. When weight is on the scale and data is output manually or automatically, the configured data string is Continue reading

What Does Class III Refer to When Discussing NTEP Requirements?

Handbook 44 from NIST spells out rules and regulations for the weighing industry and separates weighing devices into five accuracy classes. Depending on the number and value of scale divisions, equipment can be either class I, II, III, III L, or IIII, with Class I having the highest precision. All Legal-for-Trade scales fall under one of these five classes.

Table 7a of Handbook 44 breaks down the description of each class. Class III states: “All commercial weighing not otherwise specified, grain test scales, retail precious metals and semi-precious gem weighing, animal scales, postal scales, vehicle on-board weighing systems with a capacity less than or equal to 30,000 lb, and scales used to determine laundry charges.”

NTEP scales

Basically, what it’s saying is anything that doesn’t fall elsewhere would go in this weight class, providing the device meets the criteria for the quantity and size of divisions. Class III covers many different types of scales, making it a bit of a catch-all. Produce scales would be one type of Class III application. While some jewelry scales are Class III if the resolution is appropriate for the application, meanwhile, a more precise jewelry scale could be Class II. It all depends on the number of divisions and capacity. Precision laboratory devices usually fall under Class I.  

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Class III L, which covers heavier capacity on-board applications, truck scales, livestock scales and railroad scales. Class IIII applies strictly to axle scales and wheel loader devices for highway weight enforcement.

Get Started With Central Carolina Scale

At Central Carolina Scale, our philosophy has always been to work directly with customers to help them choose the proper weighing equipment. If you have specific questions about scale classes, call us at (919) 776-7737 or email us at info@ccscale.com.

Common Questions Answered Regarding Counting Scales

Counting Scales are very similar to other scales in terms of weighing, but the counting scale does two additional functions, by performing operations in division and multiplication based on the internal resolution.  Please continue reading below as Jim Daggon and Ann Crowley from Rice Lake Weighing Systems answer some of the common questions relating to counting scales like the Digi DC-300, Digi DC-190, DC-788 and the DC-782.

1. What is internal resolution?
The internal resolution of a counting scale is the number of divisions into which it divides the total capacity of the scale.

Example: A 50 lb counting scale with 1 million count resolution divides up the 50 lb into 1,000,000 parts. This means each internal resolution is translated to 50/1,000,000 or 0.00005 lb.All of the weights are calculated on this basis. For example, if some parts were placed on the counting scale, and the internal calculation was 210 internal counts, the weight to be displayed would be 210 times 0.00005 lb = 0.01050 lb. Since the weight display might only be five digits, then the weight display would be 0.01 lb. This is the external resolution. (rounded off).

The operator can key in the sample quantity—for example, ten pieces. The scale still “knows” how many internal counts are being used (210) and now divides that number by 10 to get the number of internal counts per piece (210/10 = 21). Continue reading

Buy Label Printing Scale and Get $50 Gift Card

Starting 7/15/2010, CAS Scale will begin offering to customers of Central Carolina Scale $50 (Visa/Mastercard Gift Card) for every CL5000 and/or LP1000’s that they purchase till 8/15/2010. For each qualifying product purchased, $50 will be added to the gift card. That can be a lot of savings!

The CL5000 Label Printing Scale has the functions you need at an affordable price. Includes CL-Works software package. Use in supermarkets, specialty stores, deli’s and more. 60 lb Capacity with 3,000 PLU’s & 1,000 Ingredients. CL-Works Software Package Included. Features PLU Editor – Label Editor – Keypad Editor. Compatible with Microsoft Windows® 2000 / XP / Vista.

The CAS LP-1000 Thermal Label Printing Scale was designed specifically for the food service environment where you need to pre-pack and price items. The CAS LP 1000 is perfect for your deli or grocery. With 54 preset Pricing keys and the flexibility to pre-program your items, prices, and ingredients into the scale, thus reducing errors and giving the consumer the information they require. Optional pole display (model LP-1000NP) is also available.

This promotion will run for a limited time only. For instructions on how to claim gift cards, see below. Please note: All gift card requests from end-users must be postmarked within 20 days of the invoice date.  Qualifying Products must be purchased between 7/15/2010 – 8/15/2010 to be eligible for this promotion. Qualifying products are: CL5000B – CL5000R – LP1000N – LP1000NP.

Check Out the Latest Advanced Features of the Doran 2200 indicators

Doran listens to their distributors and their needs.  Along with the 2200’s standard features such as Gross, Net, Tare, multiple product ID’s, full numerical keypad, accumulator, eight setpoints, two RS232 ports, Doran recently released the latest offering of advanced features for the Doran 2200 Indicator which include: Continue reading

What you don’t know about your food manufacturing process could cost thousands of dollars

Add one of our Doran Bakery Scales to your process to improve efficiency. Bakeries, snack food processors, foodservice, makers of cakes, muffins, brownies, tortillas, pizza dough, and donuts are realizing cost savings from adding digital portion scales to their process. Just read a few of the case studies about everything from Mushrooms to Margarine.

From scaling and mixing areas for minor and major ingredients, to the manufacturing and finishing area and to final packaging and shipping, these high quality Doran Continue reading

Count Small Parts Easier Than Ever

Counting scales have become an essential tool for accurately counting large quantities of small parts. The DIGI® DC-782 Counting Scale from Central Carolina Scale is a low cost solution for many parts counting needs. While withstanding frequent movement, the DIGI® DC-782 also maintains the incredible resolution and accuracy needed for dependable parts counting.

count small parts easier with an electronic counting scale

This counting scale can be programmed to store information for up to 25 separate parts, as well as interface with a PC using its RS-232 output. Use the DIGI® DC-782 for up to 300hours of continuous use on its optional rechargeable battery. For mobile workstations, outdoor applications, warehouses, or rental fleets, be certain your count is correct using the DIGI® DC-782.  Continue reading

What will it cost me if I don’t buy a good scale?

Choosing the right scale and the right scale company for your application is extremely important. Whether you are looking for a small Ohaus balance or a large Rice Lake 80 foot long Truck Scale, you can save a lot of time and headaches by choosing the right company from the start. Even in today’s tough economy, consumers need to understand the total cost of ownership. For example, downtime often is the most significant cost incurred in industrial settings. In operations like landfills, aggregates, and quarries, many vehicle scales act as the “cash register.” If the scale isn’t Continue reading