Scales You May Need in the Food Industry   by Jackie Beard

in Computers    (submitted 2012-02-17)

Food production generally requires precise weights and measurements that necessitate the use of a variety of scales. Some grocery stores, in fact, spend more time making sure they have the proper amount of food in stock than they do actually working with customers. It is much easier for stores to keep an accurate inventory of their stock if the weights of products, like meats, are record upon their arrival.

Also, workers at deli counters and other specialty departments will likely find that their customers want to see the weights of the items they are buying. Commercial food scales exist for these situations and a variety of others. This guide will help you decide what type of scale your company should consider.

1. Price computing scales are best if you do not have a large number of customers. If you plan to sell produce at a farmer's market, for example, this sort of scale is probably for you. Though they do not print a label, these scales will still measure food accurately. These types of scales generally display the weight so the consumer can see it before they buy the product, ensuring customer satisfaction. Price computing scales are typically sold at a low price-point, since they don't have any complicated features.

2. Businesses today most commonly utilize label printing scales. These are the scales that store delis typically utilize to provide customers with a bar code that can be scanned at the check-out. Almost everyone has seen the labels that these scales print. Label printing scales offer an array of features, so stores and restaurants have numerous options. Some types, for example, feature contemporary touch-screens, while other models still use standard buttons. Label printing scales with the most up-to-date features will generally have the most expensive price-tags.

3. Restaurants and stores often buy foods in bulk; these items can be weighed with bench scales. Typically, these scales are used to weigh packages that are between 100 and 200 pounds. Bulk meat, produce, or spices often necessitate using one of these scales. Since bench scales are useful for weighing either incoming or outgoing parcels, they are used by almost all types of food production facilities. Furthermore, bench scales are designed to take up as little space as possible, leaving plenty of room for other necessary equipment. It is good to look for scale manufacturers.

4. Floor, or platform, scales are intended to handle the greatest amounts of food of any commercial scale. These scales are designed to weigh 5,000 to 10,000 pounds of food at once. These digital platform scales are commonly seen in warehouses or other locations that distribute large quantities of food.

About the Author

Commercial Scales