Late Breaking News See next page for details.
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Miracle Service Announces Version 8.0 of its Weights And Measures Edition Nexent Innovations Inc., a globally recognized leader for service management software development and maker of Miracle Service™ software, has released significant upgrades to its certificate management and field service software for scale dealers. Version 8.0 features an intuitive new user interface that is customizable depending on the roles and preferences of each user. It also offers a robust new Quick Search functionality for users to search parts, customer scale equipment and inventory, as well as contract details and service calls. “Over the past few years we have seen significant changes in the ways our customers are using Miracle Service”, said Robert Sombach, Vice President Operations and Development for Nexent Innovations Inc. “Our Weights and Measures Edition software is used by many more employees on a daily basis to drive efficiency and profit inside a dealership, and we believe version 8.0 will help even more dealers achieve their profit targets.”
Miracle Service software supports the complete service life cycle for scales industry professionals: certificate management, a self-service customer portal, dispatching, technician scheduling, inventory, billing, and mobile field service. Miracle Service streamlines operations into a single system, as the software architecture is modular and customers are able to add functionality, as they require it, ensuring their investment in the system is maximized.
About Nexent Innovations Inc. Since 1994, Nexent Innovations Inc. has provided business solutions for thousands of field service clients in over 45 countries around the world. With so many unique service management and business solution-driven modules to choose from, Nexent is the most scalable software provider within the industry.
To learn more about Miracle Service’s Weights and Measures Edition software and how it can help your business, please visit: Toll Free: 1-866-463-9368 (North America) Direct: 905-206-1828 Email: info@miracleservice.com www.certificateretrievalsystem.com
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Inside Cover News Cardinal Scale Announces New Company President and Retirement of Former President Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Stovern began his career at CarCompany announces the election of dinal Scale in 1998 working in the Matthew R. Stovern as president of Customer Service Department and the corporation. ascended to various Stovern currently production manserves on the board of agement positions directors for the Scale and plant manager. Manufacturers AssociHe has served as ation (SMA) and Webb vice-president of opCity Bright Futures, a erations since 2011. non-profit organization Cardinal Scale which helps local school President David children, and is inPerry will retire at volved in youth athletics the end of June throughout the com2015, ending an munity. Stovern is the over 50-year career Matthew R. Stovern husband of Aston Perry with the company Stovern, granddaughter of Cardithat has seen weighing technology nal Scale founder W.H Perry. The advance from mechanical weighStoverns have three children, Rylee, beams to digital scales. Tressa, and Maxwell, which will “I have made many friends during hopefully represent the fourth genermy tenure and will surely miss my ation of the family-owned business. co-workers I have known during the
ISWM Conference and Expo The next big event for the International Soceity of Weighing and Measurment (ISWM) is the 2016 Conference and Expo, February 9-12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. You can visit their new website at www.ISWM.org
years,” said Perry. “I thank all of our employees who have made Cardinal Scale the vibrant, healthy, and profitable company that it is today.” “I am pleased to announce that Matt Stovern will take over my role as president of Cardinal Scale,” said Perry. “This transition will go smoothly, since Matt and I have been working together to assure that end result. I am confident that as I leave, Cardinal Scale will remain in good hands with Matt’s guidance and the support of our employees.” Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company is a privately-held corporation founded in 1950 in Webb City, Missouri acquiring DETECTO in 1981. Cardinal Scale holds ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485 certifications and is a manufacturer of Cardinal Scale and DETECTO brand products. To learn more, visit www.cardet.com.
PACK EXPO Las Vegas September 28-30, 2015 Las Vegas, Nevada
ISWM Southeastern Division Meeting - September 18-19, 2015 - Myrtle Beach, SC The Southern Division will be meeting in conjunction with the Southeastern Division in Myrtle Beach.
Mike Hamer Joins Intelligent Weighing Technology Meet Mike Hamer, the new national sales manager for Intelligent Weighing Technology, Inc. Mike was introduced to the scale business while working at Perdue Farms Engineering Group, repairing scales to the component level and creating scaling automated systems. It proved to be a great foundation for entering the Scale Industry. His experience led to jobs at Carlton Scale and MAL Systems as a sales engineer, selling and building scaling and labeling systems. Mike
has spent the last eight and a half years as a business development manager for A&D Weighing where he earned four Presidents Club awards and two prestigious Tora awards for sales excellence. Give Mike a call at 904-885-9006. With its 8,000 square foot facility, Intelligent Weighing Technology offers a high level of product inventory for faster shipping. Every balance that leaves its building has been checked out and calibrated by expert staff.
For more information, please call 866-920-3000, or visit their website at www.intelligentwt.com.
More News on page 31 Weigh & Measure for Logistics, Distribution, Process and Manufacturing
Industrial Weigh & Measure 1
Industrial July/August 2015
Volume 101, No. 4
Publisher’s Note 04 I Bragging or Promoting - By David Mathieu
Features 06 I Exciting Innovations & Adaptations in Checkweighing
Many industry regulars may be under the impression that in-motion scales and checkweighers are what they are and have not really changed that much for decades. But in this article we look at three companies in the forefront of design innovation and technology application... - By Christopher Cussat
06
14 I Reflections of An Aging Weights and Measures Geek Of late I’ve been reflecting on the fact that I’m about to celebrate my 25th year as a machine-logic programmer and systems integrator, twenty of those years spent as a weights and measures geek. Needless to say, it’s been quite a journey. The things I’ve discovered and the valuable lessons that I learned along the way... - By Al Blazo
20 I Bridging the Gap: Why Your Accounting System and Your Service Management Program Should Work Together
22
Why do you need a service management program when you already have an accounting system? It’s hard to imagine managing your business today without an accounting package. Accounting systems are central to your business, but one thing they cannot do is help you manage your service department. - By Robert Sombach
Departments & Columns
26
01 I Inside Cover News 22 I Social Media 26 I Out of the Ordinary 28 I New Products 32 I Classifieds
Cover The cover picture for this issue was provided by Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed. It’s a great shot of their checkweigher in action. We love application shots!
Products by Title Wireless Portable Truck Scales .................28
Portable Vehicle Weighing .........................28
No-Maintenance Casters ..........................30
Solar-Powered Hanging Scale ...................28
Upgraded Checkweigher Line ....................28
Portable, Semi-Portable Scales .................30
Bench Scales .............................................28
Automatic Ashing Process .........................29
Single-Column Force Tester .......................30
2 Industrial Weigh & Measure
www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
l
Weigh & Measure Industria
Solutions for Logistics, Distribution, Process and Manufacturing
PO Box 2247 • Hendersonville • TN • 37077
Phone: 615-239-8087
Subscriptions & Classifieds: iWAMmag.com Contributing Writers Al Blazo
Publisher’s Note
Bragging or PROMOTING
Daniel Casciato Christopher Cussat Robert Sombach
Editor at Large Dave M. Mathieu Former Publisher of Weighing & Measurement
Publisher | Editor | Classified Sales Dave Mathieu Dave.Mathieu@comcast.net
Layout & Design Josh Mathieu
Contributing Artist Ryan Shoemake
Copy Consultant Ruby Vanzandt
Publisher/Accounting Margaret Mathieu
Media Sales Tom Bowman Office: 317-823-5544 Cell: 317-363-8982 Email: bowman.t@sbcglobal.net Industrial Weigh & Measure (iWAM) is published bi-monthly by WAM Publishing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 2247, Hendersonville, TN 37077. PH: 615-239-8087. The iWAM print magazine is mailed six times per year to qualified subsribers (upper management) in the USA. All subscriptions MUST come through the iWAM Web site to be processed: www.iwammag.com/subscriptions. All none qualified subscribers can request a digital issue by email at: wamhome@comcast.net. Although every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of published material, WAM Publishing Co, Inc. and Industrial Weigh & Measure cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2015 WAM Publishing Company.
4 Industrial Weigh & Measure
By David Mathieu I remember seeing an advertisement campaign many years ago where the message of the ad was “It’s not bragging if it’s true,” and I remember how that just struck me wrong. You should never have to brag about yourself or your company’s products, that’s something that your customers should do, and those are called referrals. Now, I’m not talking about selling—which is the fuel that makes the plant run. There’s a fine line between good selling and bad bragging. If you’re selling and mention in your pitch what another customer said about your product, that’s all good, or if you show how your product line saved a customer a million dollars—or solved some problem, that’s even better. In the office environment, the person that brags is usually boisterous as well; they do get attention initially. However, that personality type usually fades into the background like the hum of machinery that you pay no attention to after awhile. About two months ago I got a call from a former print publisher (in the health field). He wanted to recommend / refer two of his writers, who he praised as top performers and very good writers. Did I listen? You bet I did. Today, they are both in the magazine with bylines. Was he bragging? Yes, but it’s not really bragging when it’s for someone else’s benefit. You can check out Christopher Cussat’s article on page 6, “Exciting Innovations & Adaptations in Checkweighing,” the other writer, Daniel Casciato wrote a great piece that starts on page 22 for our Social Media Column titled, “Using LinkedIn as a CRM Tool to Stay Connected with Clients and Prospects.” Did I mention we have great articles in this issue—Al Blazo has been around for many years providing great insights and reading material for Industrial Weigh & Measure magazine, and in this issue he does it again (page 14) with “Reflections of An Aging Weights and Measures Geek,” though, I think he’s much more than that with his machine-logic programming and systems integrator experience. Then there’s Robert Sombach (page 20), he’s written another article that many of you will find interesting, “Bridging the Gap: Why Your Accounting System and Your Service Management Program Should Work Together.” In the next issue of iWAM our features will include articles on robots, as well as weigh-in-motion scales. So if your company wants to get involved in the next issue with editorial, please contact us at wamhome@comcast.net. www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
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6 Industrial Weigh & Measure
Many industry regulars may be under the impression that in-motion scales and checkweighers are what they are and have not really changed that much for decades. But manufacturers like AP Dataweigh, Cardinal Scale Manufacturing and Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed are at the forefront of design innovation and technology application for modern checkweighing needs, as well as for future adaptations and problem resolutions for their clients and those
F
they supply.
ounded in 1995, AP Dataweigh has been meeting the in-motion inspection, weighing and labeling needs of clients for over 20 years. According to Steve Van Duzen, senior vice president of sales, the company’s open architecture philosophy in mechanical and machine software design has allowed it to grow steadily year after year. “We are an in-motion, product inspection machinery, original equipment manufacturer (OEM)—primarily our focus is on checkweighers, however we also produce in-motion labeling machines, product sorting machines, and filler control machines, just to name a few.” Its equipment can be found in industrial dairies, bakeries, fish processing lines, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers, consumer goods and health product manufacturers, aerospace and more. AP Dataweigh is considered as one of the companies on the frontline of checkweighing technology. Its High Resolution machines have accuracies up to 0.05 grams at speeds of up to 300 pieces inspected
Weigh & Measure for Logistics, Distribution, Process and Manufacturing
Industrial Weigh & Measure 7
Checkweighing... Continued from 7
per minute (ppm) and its full native Rockwell / Allen Bradley machines represent the most advanced and open checkweigh platforms in the world. “As stated, our Rockwell units are one-hundred percent open, meaning that customers can customize their screens, reporting features and database communications as they see fit,” Van Duzen adds. This “open” aspect of the company’s systems is especially innovative industry wide in that it is not based on locked, black-box technology that only the OEM can access. Van Duzen explains, “We designed it to be open so our end users can go to their local scale companies and the service providers with whom they are already familiar and have them perform calibrations, service, etc.” Van Duzen believes that this represents one of the biggest current problems with checkweighers because they mostly have been “locked up” industry wide. “End users have had to rely on going back to the OEM for service, calibration and parts.” He says that this makes for a “service based sale,” and the other OEMs are able to charge “more than an arm and a leg” for servicing, updating and even calibrating the machines. These Open Architecture systems take that equation out of purchasing a checkweigher and it can potentially save end users thousands of dollars just on one call alone!
Another innovative feature of the company’s product line is the ability to upgrade the machines. “Thousands of end users have paid massive sums of money only to be told by their checkweigher OEM that the machine is obsolete, no longer has replacement parts, and they are forced to purchase a new one,” Van Duzen explains. AP Dataweigh checkweighers can be upgraded in most cases to meet the ever changing demands of its customers. “We always try to avoid making our machines have the potential of becoming obsolete,” he adds. Other unique applications offered in its catalog of in-line checkweighers include Print and Apply labeling, barcode and product sortation, combination checkweigh and metal detection, as well as combination checkweigh and X Ray options. Always looking toward the future, AP Dataweigh is presently working on a new checkweigh controller that will take 3200 samples from a standard, strain-gauge load cell per second and deliver 1600 usable readings per second. “We believe this will be a game changer across the checkweighing world,” says Van Duzen. But sometimes technology is not the only innovation that can positively affect business outcomes; a progressive manufacturing philosophy can also produce similar results. Van Duzen believes that attention to customers’ specific needs and designing unique systems to meet those needs can be groundbreaking as well. “Where our competitors make the customers tailor Rockwell / Allen Bradley AP Dataweigh
In-Motion Open Source and Architecture Checkweighers.
8 Industrial Weigh & Measure
their lines to match ‘off the shelf’ checkweighers, we do the opposite—we design the checkweigher around our customers’ needs.” Cardinal Scale has been making strides in weight display adaptation as well as wireless internet connectivity. Founded in 1950, it is one of the largest privately held scale manufacturing company in the USA. In 1980, Cardinal Scale acquired Detecto Scale, which greatly diversified its ability to produce scales and other related products to most all other market segments. Fred Cox, vice president of sales, also understands the need for constant product evaluation and innovation. “A company’s growth is greatly dependent upon new product design and increasing market share—our complete engineering and design teams provide us with these abilities.” Cardinal Scale’s latest product innovations are clearly evident in its manufacturing of checkweigh scales and systems, which it does primarily for the packaging and food industries. Since its specialty is checkweighing of individual products as they are packaged in containers, as well as meeting the demands of speed for the person responsible to package the product, weight display had to be adapted. Cox explains, “We have a unique weight display for our stainless steel scale that changes color based on target weights—this has enabled us to meet the global challenges of language barriers and the overall demands of food processing simultaneously.” The checkweigher that utilizes this technology is the Model 190 Storm, whose weight display incorporates selectable color schemes to make it one of the easiest scales to recognize acceptable weights fast and accurately. When the weight is under target, the display is yellow. Then when the accepted target weight is hit, a vivid green is displayed. Finally, if the weight target is exceeded, it shows a bright red color. “You can www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
Checkweighing...
Wi-Fi technology into its checkweighers, providing the ability to send target weights for selected imagine in language-barrier enviproducts directly to the scale, or to ronments, this enables supervisors monitor weight for reporting requireto greatly economize day to day ments. This greatly heightens accuemployee training and maximize racy, which in turn, helps manage production,” Cox notes. cost control. Cox explains, “For Cardinal Scale also incorporates example, with the accelerated costs in food products, precise weight in packaged products is so important to the success of the supplier, whether in production or the prep line in fast food markets.” One recent checkweighing-related issue directly addressed by Cardinal Scale was how to prevent damage to its products during the cleaning process. In fact, the company created the Model 190 Storm with this consideration in mind. Because it is IP69 rated, this model can be cleaned with high pressure washing and detergents. Not surprisingly, this design convenience is currently in high demand for both the food and chemical industries. Another challenge that the company has met with Cardinal Scale’s EB series stainless steel bench scales technology is the commuare available with the versatile 190 STORM indicator nication of weight readings that features a ColorZONE checkweighing LCD screen to PCs or data networks that changes color to one of 7 different colors for Under, in the work environment. Accept, and Over weights. “Now customers have the freedom of Wi-Fi and Ethernet Cardinal Scale’s in-motion checkweigher offers right from our weighing prodanti-static polyester or food-grade conveyor belts ucts,” Cox notes. This innovative and weighs at speeds of up to 200 ft per minute design feature is also available with multi-zone checking. in the Model 190 Storm. Its weight displays are made of polycarbonate materials— so Wi-Fi can be internal with no external antennas that can be damaged in the cleaning process. For production Continued from 8
10 Industrial Weigh & Measure
areas with wireless internet, weight indicators like this make communicating weight measurements immediate and seamless. Innovation is an ongoing focus, and the company is constantly developing new and exciting solutions. For example, in this age of mobile apps, immediate data collection, and monitoring of weights, Cardinal Scale has launched a multitude of applications based on its customers’ requirements. “We recently developed a scale and Wi-Fi connection for an Apple iPad application to monitor food waste in cafeterias and restaurants here in the US and also now in UK-based operations,” says Cox. In fact, the Cardinal and Detecto Scale brands continue to grab the attention of its customers for their new and exciting product developments. “We are proud to be a developer and manufacturer of weighing equipment, now and for the future,” he concludes. Speed is yet another important consideration in the evolution of in-motion checkweighers, and Mettler-Toledo’s appropriately named Hi-Speed division is at the forefront of producing these fast and accurate machines. Hi-Speed’s rapid-paced products and their equally swift and impressive capabilities can move your brand down the lane(s) at miss-if-you-blink speeds. Its systems are comprised of automatic scales that weigh individual packages (or parts) at rates up to 800 ppm, and weights in excess of 100 kg. John Uber, product marketing manager, further describes their standard functionality. “Our equipment is typically placed in a packaging line somewhere after a filling operation, and the checkweigher identifies the package going on the scale, determines the best weighing algorithm for the speed, weight and available time to weigh.” He adds that it then measures the weight and classifies the package as accept or reject, and if reject, it sorts the package from the stream www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
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Industrial Weigh & Measure 11
Checkweighing...
weigher series. “This is a global product and it was a result of a collaborative effort between our two of good products. checkweighing companies—Garvens According to Uber, some of and Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed,” the biggest considerations for Uber notes. Garvens is Hi-Speed’s Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed innovaGerman sister company, which has tions and developments revolve built high precision checkweighers for many years. “These products are built more with durability in mind and the combined design in the C3000 is the best from both sides— it is a high precision, highly durable machine that can be applied around the world,” he adds. It is no surprise that overall production safety is yet another The Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed in-motion checkweigher is shown important considerhere in a multi-lane application. ation that manufacturers must take into around the types and sizes of account. Uber describes how and product packaging. “New packwhy Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed is one aging materials and forms always of the industry leaders in safety. present new challenges, and multi“Like all packaging equipment, the lane systems have become much requirements for safety compliance more prevalent in the last few years, have increased dramatically in the with individual drink packages as an last five years, so we have develexample.” He adds that these require oped an Equipment Safety Process control systems that are capable of that our customers have recognized managing motor control, I/O, and as one of the best in the industry.” statistics at much higher volumes By building safety protocols directly than in the past. into its products, the company preOne new product line that has emptively helps its customers meet addressed this is the C3000 Checktheir obligations to make their work Continued from 10
environments safe. Uber admits that customers inevitably encounter various checkweighing problems and challenges every day. “Each of our customers’ products has their own distinct characteristics, whether it is weighing to an accuracy of 5 mg or supporting products that weigh over 200 lb, but we are always ready to adapt our applications to resolve any issues and challenges that may arise.” As costs, industry demands, production regulations and technologies continue to change, manufacturers like these three must continue to adapt to the needs of their customers. With their innovations in data communications, safety, speed, upgrading capabilities and wireless connectivity, these companies represent the current height of design innovation and adaptability for in-line and in-motion checkweighing. For this increasingly dynamic and technologically driven world, with its expanding global economies and continual pressure for measuring to be more and more accurate, rapid, and universal, AP Dataweigh, Cardinal Scale Manufacturing and Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed have positioned themselves as not only the foundation of checkweigh manufacturers, but the future leaders and innovators in a constantly evolving and sometimes unpredictable industry. You can read more of Christopher’s work at www.cussat.com.
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www.walzscale.com email: walz@walzscale.com www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
O
By Al Blazo
f late I’ve been reflecting on the fact that I’m about to celebrate my 25th year as a machine-logic programmer and systems integrator, twenty of those years spent as a weights and measures geek. Needless to say, it’s been quite a journey. The things I’ve discovered and the valuable lessons that I learned along the way stay glued to my DNA to this very day. Those lessons, in fact, strongly influence the approach I take to every project in which I become involved. The lessons that I’ve gleaned over these many years, I believe, are worth sharing with the next generation of professions eager to join the ranks of industrial systems integration professionals. In this short piece I’ll do my best to highlight the factors that I believe are crucial to one’s success as a machine programmer and systems integration specialist. Pursue in-depth application knowledge This is perhaps the single most important—and the most frequently overlooked—factor that will determine one’s success as a programmer and systems integration specialist. There are few things that you’ll find more frustrating (and costly) than writing code for an application that you later find doesn’t mesh particularly well with the customer’s needs or operational style. That’s why it’s extremely important that two things are accomplished before you even begin to contemplate an implementation strategy or write a single line of code to support that strategy: Gain as thorough an understanding as you possibly can of precisely what your customer wants to accomplish and in the process gain a solid understanding of what operational procedures may currently be favored (or in place, if you’re working on a system
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14 Industrial Weigh & Measure
retrofit) to accomplish those objectives. Ask questions. Make notes. If you can, strive to gain plant-level exposure. Seek plant-level, operational input. Communicate with the likely users of your application. Once you believe that you have gained as much understanding about the nature of the application and your customer’s operational style, create a detailed written specifications document that can be reviewed by everyone directly involved in your project. Ask for feedback. Insist that the system design specification be read and approved before proceeding with your programming/integration efforts.
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Practice humility The need to be humble in the face of one’s mission is quite often an extremely difficult task. Our egos typically want to play a dominant role during these periods. Recognition of the fact that the development of efficient machine control logic is a lot more complicated than it may sometimes appear will help one take a quantum leap in their career as a systems designer, programmer and systems integration professional. Mastering the art and science of machine control logic and keeping current with the constantly changing implementation techniques that manufacturers continually offer presents one with a life-long learning experience. Opportunities for learning new ways to accomplish a specific machine control objective never cease. Just when you think that you may have developed the most ingenious method of accomplishing something programmatically, another candidate for even greater efficiency presents itself for further investigation. In the end, however, you’ll find that machine control mastery is only part of the overall success equation; www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
Reflections of a Geek... Continued from 14
a considerable amount rests with understanding the nuances and peculiarities of the actual components that you will attempt to control. They sometimes find ingenious ways to baffle even your most well-thought-out and ingeniously devised plans. I’ll never forget an experience I had with a NTEP certified draft weighing system that I personally designed, coded, helped install, tested, debugged and certified as 100 percent effective and efficient only to receive a call from the client a few weeks later to report that the controller would unexpectedly terminate the draft weighing routine and return to an idle state. I was never able to determine why or how (from a code writing perspective) the system would possibly fail as it did. My only solution was to design a “workaround patch” that would automatically re-start the draft weighing algorithm if the controller found itself in that condition. Then one day, by pure coincidence, I happened to be standing near the controller when I observed an unexpected termination (and system restart). It was at that moment that I also simultaneously heard a high-pitched “wind-up” sound behind me. That helped me to immediately identify the source of the problem: a variable frequency motor started its ramp-up sequence and generated a radio frequency that, for just a nanosecond, wreaked havoc on the controller’s main processor. A career as a systems designer/ machine control specialist presents abundant opportunities to challenge yourself to find new and more effective methods of accomplishing a machine control task. If you love a continual learning experience—one that frequently challenges you to carefully examine even your own conceptual and logical framework— you’ve chosen an excellent field of study and work. 18 Industrial Weigh & Measure
Gain at least a nominal understanding of your users A considerable amount of my work as a systems designer, programmer and integration specialist has been focused in designing systems for use in the California agricultural industry. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to install and then actually train system operators in the use of the software systems that I designed for their specific application(s). I say fortunate because this level of face-to-face interaction with the customer and the operators taught me several extremely important lessons that would otherwise have taken me many more years to learn. The most important of those lessons? It’s this: create HMIs and cyclical algorithms that: require minimal operator input or intervention anticipate operator error (and “error trap” them) to the maximum extent possible, are self-correcting. Perhaps the fastest growing trend in the processing industry today is towards the creation of intelligent, self-running and self-correcting systems, systems that require the barest amount of operator training, attention or intervention. The more you learn about your customer’s operational procedures and the operators who will use your systems the brighter your code will shine and the more successfully your applications will perform.
Get and stay in the habit of walking in the operator’s shoes. Annotate all of your code. Few things are more wasteful of your time and frustrating than spending an exorbitant amount of time and effort examining your code for a clear understanding of what you did at an earlier time. Create a master programmer’s guide that outlines your work in as much detail as possible. Invariably you’ll be asked to add some feature or enhance your application in some manner weeks, months or even years after it was placed in use. Having the ability to quickly review your work will save enormous time and personal frustration trying to determine how and where you need to inject the code for your enhancements without disturbing what you have already done. Create an operator’s system “Handy Guide” that explains, in a clear and concise manner, how to use the system. Handy Guides make operator training easier and much more effective. Handy Guides provide a convenient means of keeping system operators up-to-date about your system’s capabilities, the changes or enhancements you may have made and how to access the system’s most important features. Keeping these tips in mind will go a long in the development of one’s career as a machine programmer and systems integration specialist.
Always be mindful of your responsibility to adhere to industry “best practices” Triple check your work. You’ll be astounded at how many small errors you’ve made or discover how you may have been more logical or parsimonious in your code writing and general programming approach. Error trap until the cows come home. Try your best to fully anticipate the bad choices (or simple mistakes) an operator is likely to make when using your application.
About the author Al Blazo is an independent consultant with more twenty years of experience in the weighing, measurement and process control industry. Al specializes in applications development for the GSE® line of process control instrumentation. He can be reached at alblazo@sbcglobal. net and welcomes readers’ comments.
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www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
Bridging the Gap: Why Your Accounting System & Your Service Management Program Should
Work Together By Robert Sombach
W
hy do you need a service management program when you already have an accounting system? It’s hard to imagine managing your business today without an accounting package like QuickBooks® or Sage50®. Accounting systems are central to your business, but one thing they cannot do is help you manage your service department. As the makers of Miracle Service, with more than 5,000 users in 45 countries, we speak with people every day about how service management software improves their businesses. As your service business grows and you add customers, service technicians, employees, inventory and scales to service and calibrate, everyday business becomes more complicated. Naturally you’ll turn to your accounting system and try to pull the information from it that you need to run your business. Inventory can become very difficult to manage. Your technicians may have car stock, and the almost daily ritual of adding, removing and ordering becomes tedious—causing your accounting department to become overwhelmed with transactions. To alleviate this burden, companies often allow their operations staff direct access to the 20 Industrial Weigh & Measure
accounting system. This can add to your costs with incremental software licenses, but more importantly it can also represent a risk to your business by exposing your accounting system to non-accounting employees. If your service business manages certificates and equipment inspection, your customers will need ready access to their certificates. You will need to build a system for timing recertification of the scales in the field. In addition, it becomes important to pinpoint which scales are requiring more periodic maintenance, and even predicting when some parts tend to fail and therefore should be replaced before they disrupt your customer’s business— after all, that’s what they contract you to do. At a certain point you become a victim of your own success. More customers equal more transactions. Many accountants will turn to a trusted old friend to manage the process—Excel spreadsheets. Inventory and car stock can be managed on a spreadsheet. Certificate renewals can be managed on a spreadsheet. Service technicians can enter hours and parts for a service call on a spreadsheet and then send those to accounting
for input. This approach solves the problem of exposing the accounting system to employees and it doesn’t require an incremental investment in software licenses. However it also has the effect of doubling up your accounting time as data entry is often duplicated, by both the technician and your accounting staff. Errors can occur in any system, but doubling data entry and transcribing information from one system to another will cause additional errors. Tracking where those errors took place can be a tedious exercise. The more you grow the more this approach becomes unsustainable. Another concern is that the system is reliant on what we refer to as the “heroic employee.” In order for it to work, employees must learn from their mistakes in data entry and workflow. If one of those employees leave, or you add another service technician, errors inevitably creep back into the process. A good service management system should work alongside your existing accounting system. Service management software encompasses technician scheduling, equipment service, contract administration, certificate management and inventory all in one system. It’s often www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
important to consider that a service management system can manage information in multiple dimensions, whereas an Excel spreadsheet typically will look at information in only two dimensions. You can often take the data in a spreadsheet and plot it on a graph. A service management system can allow you to look at multiple data points at the same time. How does this help your business? Consider a common scale model that you service for your clients. If we have all of these scales in our database, we can review the service history of each one. We can catalog the devices from when they have been installed and when they have received service. We can then determine if some service becomes predictable at a certain age or usage threshold. Some parts become so commonly used that you begin to know more precisely what inventory a service technician needs to have
on hand. A better inventory management system means you keep only the parts you use most often. You could try to do this within Excel but it would require a lot of keystrokes! If we follow this example further, when the service technician completes a task, they would then enter required information such as time and materials used into the service management software. Once the ticket is closed, the information is then uploaded into your accounting system. The machine is associated with a customer, and not only is the client invoiced automatically, the service history is recorded, and any parts used can be removed from inventory, and if necessary, replenished. There is a pub in England that has a sign over the cash register. It says: “We made a deal with the bank. We don’t cash checks, and they don’t make fish and chips.” Understanding
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what your core competency is and focusing on being the best at it is a recipe for certain success. The same is true for software and employees. Accounting systems are great, but when they are stretched beyond their capabilities they can cause problems. Service technicians can also cause problems when we ask them to become accountants. So is it time for your business to consider a service management system? About the Author Robert Sombach is vice president, operations and development, for Nexent Innovations Inc., providers of Miracle Service, Service Management Software. www.CertificateRetrievalSystem.com
Social Media
C
By Daniel Casciato
ustomer relationship management (CRM) applications offers industrial weigh and measure companies a depth of valuable information on clients and prospects to better meet their needs. You can collect, organize and manage data and interactions throughout the customer lifecycle to drive sales growth. This can lead to improved client relationships, less client attrition and increased revenue. However, most cloud-based CRM software such as Salesforce are expensive—as much as $125 per user, per month. One free CRM application at your fingertips is LinkedIn. Both the desktop and the mobile version of this social
22 Industrial Weigh & Measure
media platform has a built in system in place for setting reminders, storing information about your contacts and automatic archiving of your email correspondence. “In the complex world that we live in simplification is important,” says Bill Corbett, Jr., president of Corbett Public Relations, Inc. in Floral Park, NY. “For people who are active in the LinkedIn world and use the platform, this is a good tool. The tracking of email conversations and the reminders alone are good features that should be used.” You can find LinkedIn’s CRM field in the Relationship tab (marked by a star) under each of your connection’s profile summary. This is a space where you can www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
store details—visible only to you—that will help you manage your relationships and stay top of mind with your network. You can add notes, set reminders, jog your memory about how you met someone, and tag contacts with various keywords. “This is the most underutilized portion of LinkedIn, because so many people focus on just sending connection requests as if they are the new business cards,” says Philip Blackett, founder and CEO of Boston, Mass.-based Magnetic Interviewing. “With consistency, you can be leaps ahead of everyone else, which can significantly benefit your business and career.” If you’re looking for new prospects or want to connect with current customers on LinkedIn, here are the four features under the Relationship tab you should become familiar with—plus a few tips on how to make it work for you.
• Add a note: A note could be anything you want to write about your connection, from the name of your contact’s spouse to the best time to reach him or her during the week. If it’s a client or a prospect, you can include notes from a recent phone call. This feature provides you with a date and time stamp along with a scrollable history. The first default note for each of your contacts is when you and this contact first connected on LinkedIn.
• Create reminders: With this feature, you can set a reminder to send a thank-you email to a prospect for next week. You can also ask LinkedIn to notify you about an upcoming appointment or a conference you plan to attend. • Remember how you met: Details about how and where you met someone could come in handy if you ever connect with that person face-to-face and need an ice-breaker. Not only can you record how you met a particular contact, but you can include who introduced you as well. • Organize your contacts: A tag categorizes the connection. By adding a tag to each profile, you can group your contacts into various categories, such as clients, prospects, business partners, vendors, friends, work colleagues, and family. After adding tags to your connections, you can email everyone who has that tag within your LinkedIn network. You can create up to 200 tags on LinkedIn. • Share educational, useful information
So what happens next? How do you pull all of this data together so you can interact with your contacts to get some referrals and hot sales leads? First, get in the habit of filling out relationship data
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Using Linkedin...
Continued from 23
“In business, it is critical to save time,” says Corbett. “This CRM application saves time and helps people to be better organized. LinkedIn is also a great way to get people’s attention and it is separate from regular email and other noise. immediately after connecting with someone on LinkedIn. Make notes on where you met, what you discussed, what their interests were, their spouse’s name, and any other pertinent information. Then, take some time to sift through your connections and tag your network. Yes, this is a menial and time-consuming task, especially if you have several hundred contacts. While it can seem daunting, devote just 20 minutes a day to work on your contact list. Take 10 minutes at the beginning of the day and 10 minutes at the end if that accommodates your schedule better.
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Once your entire network has been tagged, you can now send group messages. Under your Connections tab, select “Filter by All Contacts” and then go to where it says “Tag.” This is how you can locate your tagged individuals. When sending a message, don’t try to sell your services or pitch your products. Instead, share helpful, useful content. Be educational instead of promotional. Remember to uncheck “Allow recipients to see each other’s names and email addresses,” before sending any group messages. Set a reminder alert to send articles of interest at least once a month. In fact, you can leverage LinkedIn’s Pulse feature—its blogging platform that allows you to write an article or a long-form blog post. Under your profile, select “Publish a Post.” When you publish an article or post, it becomes part of your professional profile and is displayed on the Posts section of your profile. As soon as the post is published, it automatically appears in your network’s feed, and depending on how your connections’ email features are set, some may even receive an email alert. LinkedIn members who are not in your network can follow you just from your longform posts to receive updates when you publish next. Best of all, your post is searchable both on and off of LinkedIn—greatly improving your search engine optimization efforts. Here’s how you can send your connections a link to your Pulse content. Find an article anywhere online and write, “Here’s a great article on 3D printing from Industrial Weigh & Measure that I thought you might be interested in. By the way, I also wrote a similar article about my company’s experience with 3D printing.” Then add the two links to each of these articles. If you do this once or twice a month, it helps cultivate top of mind awareness with your network. LinkedIn has a feature under the Connections tab called “Keep in Touch.” This is where LinkedIn includes information on people’s birthdays, promotions, new job, and work anniversaries. It just takes a few seconds to say congratulations to a connection or wish someone a happy birthday. “Most people don’t take on this daily task of checking to see whose work anniversaries and birthdays are that day,” says Blackett. Blackett recommends going beyond just “liking” someone’s work anniversary and instead write a short personalized comment. “The extra effort goes a longer distance towards you being more unique from everyone else and more top of mind. Also, send people a LinkedIn message to wish them a happy birthday. With daily consistency, you’ll differentiate yourself from the crowd.” www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
Become a business matchmaker
Finally, help other people in your network to introduce (via a personal message) to your connections. When you discover one of your connections has a need for a certain skillset, specialty or even a potential partnership with someone that you may know, help them make that connection. “Whether he or she explicitly asks for an introduction, be proactive and seek each day to find one introduction to make for someone within your LinkedIn network,” adds Blackett. “This will bring in reciprocity and good karma, as some of those connections will seek to return the favor and help you out when you’re in need later on.” There are more robust CRM tools available online. Some, such as Nimble, work flawlessly with LinkedIn as an add-on. But for a free alternative, LinkedIn can suffice as an effective bare-bones CRM. “In business, it is critical to save time,” says Corbett. “This CRM application saves time and helps people to be better organized. LinkedIn is also a great way to get people’s attention and it is separate from regular email and other noise. People need to invest time to secure the attention of others. Doing this through LinkedIn accomplishes several goals. For those who need a robust system, they can sign up or purchase other CRM soft-
Weigh & Measure for Logistics, Distribution, Process and Manufacturing
ware. But for most people, this system is adequate.” LinkedIn can be a great tool for managing your lead nurturing. It’s a simple yet functional CRM to help you keep track of leads and stay connected with your customers. If you’re already using a CRM application you’re pleased with, consider using LinkedIn as a backup. To make LinkedIn work better for you, get in the daily habit of logging into LinkedIn every day. If you spend 10 minutes a day tagging contacts, reaching out, sharing relevant articles, sending messages, congratulating someone, or simply saying happy birthday, the return can be incredible. About the Author Daniel Casciato is a freelance writer and social media marketing consultant from Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, visit www. danielcasciato.com or reach him at writer@danielcasciato.com
Industrial Weigh & Measure 25
Out of the Ordinary
Window
SKY Application By Al Blazo I’m not ashamed to admit it: I’m a weights and measures geek. For the past 22 years my work has primarily involved the design and development of automated solutions for industrial-level agricultural interests, primarily in California. When I’m not developing weighing and processing applications involving the agricultural industry, I’m busy developing weighing applications for other industrial clients in the chemical, transportation and aggregate processing industries. Occasionally I get to participate in projects that have no relation whatsoever to the commercial interest that I normally serve. Such was the case with a recent project in San Francisco when I was asked to create an application that would help a developer of safety nets–the kind that are used, for example, by window washers or construction workers working on high rise buildings– 26 Industrial Weigh & Measure
in the
to test the strength of the cabling used on their nets. The client needed a method to scientifically test and verify that the strength of their cabling met the design specifications for their product. To perform the test, the client would connect four ends of their cabling to four load cells. Once the cabling was securely fastened to each load cell, the net was released (to suspend itself in mid-air) and a dummy (representing a grossly overweight construction worker with all of her tools) was dropped into the net. All of this was done from atop a crane cabin a couple of hundred feet above the ground. My goal as a programmer was fairly straightforward: measure the force (weight) that was placed on each load cell as the dummy fell into the net and transmit
As Roger Wolfenbarger, the patron saint of this unique programming challenge said, “This was one of
those jobs where 40 people in suits are standing over your shoulder, another 20 are running cranes and rigging, and you don’t want to be the guy who screws up. It was a beautiful day at 181 Fremont Street when the drop was completed without error.”
those values—along with the “peak weights” for each load cell—to a PC for lab analysis at a later time. Fun project. It’s the kind of project that makes a weights and measures geek very happy.
About the Author
Al Blazo is an independent consultant with
twenty years of experience in the weighing, measurement and process control industry. Al specializes in applications development for the GSE® line of process control instrumentation. He can be reached at alblazo@sbcglobal.net and welcomes readers’ comments.
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tons and 110 feet long. The heavyduty checkered steel deck is precision machined and protected with a durable anti-corrosion, UV-resistant, baked-on powder paint. The EPR-LF series comes in 11 standard models to choose from and features a self-contained lower-frame design for easy portability, 16-in overall height low-profile design, USA-made stainless steel load cells, and a host of optional peripheral equipment such as weight indicators, ticket printers, remote displays, steel ramps, vehicle recording software and mobile apps. www.cardinalscale.com Solar-Powered Hanging Scale DETECTO’s exclusive digital solar hanging scale is powered completely by light and never requires battery replacement. The model SCS30 is NTEP approved legal for trade making it ideal for grocery stores, farmers markets, hardware stores, and roadside produce stands where customers pay by weight. The 30 lb/15 kg capacity and 0.02 lb/0.01 kg divisions offer you pinpoint measurement accuracy. The bold 1-in high LCD displays instant digital readouts. A stainless steel produce
Portable Vehicle Weighing Walz Scale releases multiple solutions for portable vehicle weighing for either individual wheel or axle group weighing.
pan, hanging assembly, and two S-hooks are included, so the solar-powered scale is ready to use right out of the box, just add light! An optional hanging scale portable stand is also available. www.detecto.com Bench Scales The UFM range of NTEP bench scales from Intelligent Weighing Technology has been proving itself in the worst operation conditions imaginable for more than 10 years. From being covered in
powder in factories, covered in glue to being abused by airline passengers in the ticket areas of airports, time and time again the UFM model has out-performed other lesser scales. NTEP approval up to 6000 divisions, cast aluminum bases, box steel pillars and a heart made from the best load cells around, means that they can handle just about anything that customers can throw at them. The huge two inch backlit display can be seen from yards away and the RS232 port allows connectivity with printers and computers. Capacities range from 60 x 0.01 lb to 1200 x 0.2 lb. Platform sizes from 13 x 17.7-in to 20 x 24-in. www.intelligentwt.com
The AXW Series of portable wheel weighers feature a full aluminum construction and removable ramps to simplify vehicle weighing. These wheel weighers can be used either in static or dynamic in-motion mode and the digital indicator includes a built in Printer and touch screen operation. For standard on-road vehicels Walz offers a 30 ton version, which is ideal for managing axle weights and total vehicle weights. These scales are competitively priced and provide exceptional value and dependability. For the weighing of larger offroad vehicles, Walz offers portable systems designed to handle the heavier weights and larger off road tires. The off-road systems are available in either 45 ton, 95 ton or 100 ton versions, and are ideal for determining actual carried production values and the calibration of onboard scales for offroad vehicles. www.walzscale.com Upgraded Checkweigher Line An upgraded checkweigher product line, available globally, has been designed to improve accuracy and reliability and decrease maintenance for food, pharmaceutical and personal care companies that package products in pouches, bags, cartons and more. The newest models of the Thermo Scientific Versa checkweigher line offer more than 10 engineering and functionality improvements for robust performance. This includes upgraded conveyor design, frame, load cell, reject mechanism, motor, mounting and more. Thermo Fisher Scientific recently show-
www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
cased the line at ProPack 2015 in Shanghai. Thermo Fisher designed the modifications to improve weigh-
ing accuracy. This helps to maximize profits by minimizing product giveaway. For combination checkweigher/metal detector systems,
optional software provides metal detector reject information on the checkweigher screen. Moving average capability also provides real-time feedback on production metrics. “Our experience and feedback, via installations in more than 75 countries, has enabled us to engineer the new Thermo Scientific Versa checkweigher line to make performance more robust and operation and maintenance even easier,” said Rick Cash, product manager, checkweighers, Thermo Fisher Scientific. The line is available in two models: the fixed-height Thermo Scientific Global VersaWeigh and the cantilevered Global Versa GP, which allows height adjustment. The Global VersaWeigh is ideal for products up to 10 kg (22 pounds), while the Global Versa GP model targets up to 3 kg (6.6 pounds).
The company’s global manufacturing and service footprint facilitates international equipment availability and support. The Versa checkweighers are engineered for wet or dry environments, are easy to clean and can handle a wide range of package sizes. Large, easy-to-read, color touch-screen displays and intuitive design make the units simple to operate. www.thermoscientific.com Automatic Ashing Process Intelligent Weighing Technology now offers a very sophisticated Automatic Ashing Machine. The prepASH®, manufactured in Switzerland, is a computer controlled ashing system used in many industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, fuels, animal foods, etc., to determine moisture content, residual ash, vola-
tiles, fixed-carbon and LOI (loss on ignition). It is used to test a huge variety of products automatically, leading to huge reductions in time and man hours. The built-in 0.0001 g balance accurately weighs the crucibles for up to 29 individual samples. The Integral oven heats the samples to complete the process of mea-
suring moisture content. Then the samples are heated to 1000 degree C to completely ash the samples. Process reports are generated automatically. A unique feature of the prepASH is the ability to undertake sulphated ashing and other complex
New PRODUCTS analyses with chemical scrubbers. Dealers are wanted for this unique product. www.intelligentwt.com
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No-Maintenance Casters Hamilton Caster is proud to introduce Spinfinity™, a new line of heavy duty maintenance-free casters. Incorporated into the swivel kingpinless construction is special CNC-machining to host a large internal seal. The seal is made from Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and is completely enclosed inside the swivel assembly. With no outside exposure, the swivel assembly is well suited to keep grease in and contaminants out. As is customary with Hamilton, the Spinfinity casters boast extra thick forgings and proven kingpinless swivel technology for superior durability over the life of the casters. The top plate and inner raceway are one forged steel piece, not a weldment, providing unmatched strength for shock conditions. The raceways are CNC-machined and then hardened to a uniform depth. These processes assure a smooth swiveling caster under heavy loads. All of this adds up to Spinfinity® carrying the industry’s best three-year product warranty. “The grease fittings are gone!” explained Jeff Spektor, the lead designer of Spinfinity. “With the permanent seals in the swivel raceway and the wheel hub, grease fittings are no longer required.” The benefits of the Spinfinity casters are also in direct alignment with Hamilton’s own lean principles employed throughout their manufacturing operations. “With Spinfinity casters now available, time spent maintaining casters is actually a waste,” remarked Dave Lippert, Hamilton’s president. “Maintenance can now spend time on other equipment to support manufacturing uptime and other value-add activities. Any equipment that is reliable and maintenance-free supports lean principles,” said Hmilton. And there is no more bending and twisting to lubricate hard to reach casters and wheels. Like all Hamilton forged steel
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www.HamiltonCasters.com Portable & Semi-Portable Scales Since 1955 GEC has been manufacturing durable and reliable portable scales to a wide array of customers, such as government agencies, law enforcement and commercial entities worldwide. GEC portable scales are built tough, designed to be accurate even in extreme climates (Arctic
based positioning—using your hand as your guide, push and pull on the load cell or force gauge to move the crosshead at a dynamically variable rate of speed. With generous travel, clearance, and depth dimensions, a wide range of tests can be performed, including break testing, cycling, limit testing to a load or distance, loadholding, elongation testing, tensile testing, compression testing and more. Satisfy various test methods through an easy-touse menu, allowing the configuration of test speed, force and distance limits, cycling, preload and many other functions, all protected by a password. Save up to 50 profiles to accommodate a range of test methods. Controller functions are offered individually through a unique “build-your-own” configuration platform. Order any combination of functions to customize the test stand to specific requirements. Functions not ordered originally can be activated in the field. Force and travel data can be output to a PC for graphing and analysis using MESUR™gauge software. Or, fully
or desert). Even if the terrain is rugged—these scales will weigh accurately on uneven surfaces such as dirt and gravel roads. In all extremes such as these—the GEC portable scales boast a ±1% guaranteed accuracy of applied load up to 120,000 lb capacity. GEC’s Semi-portable axle scales have been proven to last 20 plus years in the field, making them a cost effective choice. They are able to be moved from job-site to jobsite, perfect for commercial companies that want to reach maximum payloads on every delivery while staying within the legal road limits. www.gecscales.com Single-Column Force Tester The ESM1500 is a highly configurable single-column force tester for tension and compression measurement applications up to 1,500 lbF (6.7 kN). Suitable for laboratory and production environments, the ESM1500 may be used with an indicator-load cell combination or with a force gauge. Sample setup and fine positioning are a breeze with available FollowMe™ force-
control the stand by a PC through a custom-written program in any language supporting ASCII communications. All communication cables required for PC control and data collection are included with the test stand. www.mark-10.com
www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
Inside Cover News Continued from page 1
The Passing of Kenneth A. Kardux Ken left Richardson and became Vice Ken was born in Hawthorne, New President of Sales and Marketing Jersey on Sept. 16, 1930. Growing for Henderson Industries. After 14 up he planned on being an architect years at Henderson, Ken moved on and was in the process of doing to Ohaus Corp where he started the so—that is until the US Army had difOhaus Automated System Division. ferent plans. While there, he went to While there, Ken met Dan Garlen and engineering school and finished first they turned Ohaus prodin his graduating class. ucts into systems. Ken After his two years in the patented a dual auger Army he went back to his feeder. This was very previous job at Fanning special since it improved and Shaw for one day, the accuracy by a factor but quickly realized that of 100 times. Ken and architecture was not for Dan decided to become him anymore. partners and started Kg The GI Bill paid for Systems. The name is three days of extensive comprised of the first evaluation and testing. letter of their names. The recommendations Kennneth A. Kardux The scale industry were for Ken to be a min1930-2015 now awards the Kardux ister or be in sales. He Cup which is named after Ken and selected sales and applied for a job awarded for the Outstanding New at Jersey Carpet Corp in Clifton, New Product. It’s one of the most sought Jersey. He got the job and met a girl, after awards given at the ISWM Jean Ryan, who worked there also. Scale Conference event. They started going out but he had a Ken also received ISWM’s Woody dilemma, he could not concentrate Woodland Award, which is awarded on work while he was with Jean. He to honor a person who by his own efdecided to quit his job to avoid being forts and services has contributed in distracted by her while working. an outstanding manner to the scale That decision paid off—Ken landed and weighing industry. a job as a mechanical engineer at Ken loved to travel with his beloved Richardson Scale Co. in Clifton. After “Bride.” Through the years they were six months as an engineer he was able to visit every state and all seven promoted to salesman. continents, but his favorite place in After his first year in the scale busithe whole world was his loved deck. ness, Ken and Jean were married. He was first a man of God. He He was transferred to Syracuse New loved his family and was so proud of York and developed new customers his grandchildren. for Richardson. Ken and Jean bought He leaves his wife of 60 years; Jean a house in Camillus, a suburb of Syr(Nee) Ryan Kardux, his son; Kenacuse and started a family. Their two neth Kardux II and his wife Joyce, oldest children were born there. his daughters; Karen Stefanski and Ken sold for Richardson for 18 her husband Michael, and Kathleen years—reaching the globe with varGrenoble and her husband Glenn. ious products, such as mechanical Ken died peacefully at home on Satand electronic automatic scales. urday, July 4, 2015, at the age of 84. Richardson Scale merged with Howe Scale Co. During the changes, Weigh & Measure for Logistics, Distribution, Process and Manufacturing
Industrial Weigh & Measure 31
Classifieds Scale Service Tech, Omaha, NE Provide the calibration and / or repair of customer’s industrial scales either at the customer’s facility or in our lab. • Maintenance, calibration and/ or repair of Industrial scales. • Respond to Call Service to fix and repair Customer’s scales – Must be willing to work some overtime and weekend hours – may also include some limited overnight travel. • 2 year Technical Degree preferred • Strong mechanical, electronic and / or tech nical background in industrial environment. • Military service or calibration experience a plus. • Valid driver’s license; Class B CDL a plus – must get within 6 months of hire • Physically able to lift 50 to 100 pounds • Welding and or Concrete knowledge is a plus • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills • Computer literate • Performance driven and customer focused Local travel - occasional overnights required. Competitive hourly wage, full benefits, fully paid life insurance, short and long term disability, vacation, sick and holidays. Please submit resume in confidence to marjie.troutman@jaking.com or call 336.260.9682
Site Manager for J.A. King and Company Omaha, Nebraska Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations at our accredited lab in Council Bluffs, IA which include full P&L responsibility for site and managing a team of Service Technicians and Coordinator. In this Management position, quality, experience, customer focus and leadership capabilities are mandatory. Three years' experience managing a diversified team; strong knowledge of calibration policies, procedures, methodologies and working knowledge of quality documents such as ISO 17025, ISO 9000; advanced skills with Microsoft Office and computer literate; 4 Year College degree preferred. Competitive salary, bonus potential, company vehicle plus full suite of benefits. We also offer generous relocation assistance. If you are qualified, please contact Marjie Troutman at 336.260.9682 or marjie.troutman@jaking.com All inquires confidential.
SERVICE TECHNICIAN American Scale Corp is seeking experienced scale technicians for Louisville and Bowling Green, KY. Must have minimum three years’ experience with strong electronic and mechanical background. Must be able to read and understand technical manuals and literature. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in outside environments required. Must have clean driving record (CDL a PLUS). Complete benefit package, company vehicle and uniforms. Pay dependent on experience. Will relocate the right individual. Send resume to janet@american-scale.com or fax to 888.515.6201.
Experienced Scale Service Tech Needed Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Preferred candidate would have 3 years experience with Mettler Toledo and competitive equipment; must have mechanical, electrical abilities; computer literate. CDL and clean driving record required. Compensation includes competitive hourly rate, monthly bonus, full medical/dental, company paid life and disability insurance, 401 K with company match, vacation, sick, and personal days. Contact Marjie at 336.260.9682 marjie. troutman@jaking.com; all inquires kept confidential.
WEIGH CART FOR SALE ALMOST NEW (6 HOURS) B-TEK 5,000 POUND CART,ARRANGED FOR 2500 POUND WEIGHTS. HAVE 8 RICE LAKE 2500 POUND WEIGHTS WITH CART. PRICE FOR THE ABOVE IS $45,000.00 YOU PICK UP AT STATESVILLE, NC ALSO HAVE A 3 TON COFFIN HOIST AN POWERED TROLLEY $2500.00 Contact Johnny at: 704-873-2435 or Email: sjscale@aol.com
Shear Beam Load Cells on Sale for $99.00! Cooper Instruments & Systems has an over stock on 1000 Lbs shear beam load cells. We are offering these units for $99.00 each while supplies last. Call 800-344-3921 or visit us at www. cooperinstruments.com
Experienced Scale Service Tech Needed Des Moines, Iowa Preferred candidate would have 3 years experience with Mettler Toledo and competitive equipment; must have mechanical, electrical abilities; computer literate. CDL and clean driving record required. Compensation includes competitive hourly rate, monthly bonus, full medical/dental, company paid life and disability insurance, 401 K with company match, vacation, sick, and personal days. Contact Marjie at 336.260.9682 or marjie.troutman@jaking.com All inquires kept confidential. 32 Industrial Weigh & Measure
www.iwammag.com • July/August • 2015
Avery Weigh-Tronix Repairs You Can Trust Reliable, low flat-rate repairs for older and newer models
FORCE & TORQUE
All GSE models
WI-127
WI-125
ZM series
Many more models too. We've been Repairing Weigh-Tronix for 26 years! See our website for more details www.nationalscale.com
Rice Lake, Cardinal, Mettler, Fairbanks and more
NATIONAL SCALE SERVICE Santa Rosa CA • 1-800-722-5339
Push, Pull, Peel, Puncture ● Mechanical & digital force gauges ● Manual & motorized test stands ● Wide variety of attachments Calibrate Electric Drivers & Air Tools Torque screwdrivers & wrenches ● ISO9001 & ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited ●
800-373-9989 www.imada.com imada com
®
Imada, Inc.® 3100 Dundee Rd. Suite 707 Northbrook, IL 60062
LIST OF ADVERTISERS Acumen Instruments .....................27
Miracle Service ..............................13
AP Dataweigh ................................24
National Scale Service ..................30
B-Tek .............................................21
Ohaus Corporation ..........................5
Cardinal Scale .............. 4, 16-17, BC
Pennsylvania Scale .......................27
CAS-USA .......................................25
Radwag USA ...................................3
Coti Global Sensors ......................15
Share Your Copy ............................30
Go Fishin’ .......................................30
Tiffin Loader Crane ........................19
Indiana Scale .................................29
Totalcomp Scales .................... 28, 31
Intelligent Weighing Technology .. IFC
Universal Scale Service .................30
Intercomp Company ......................11
Walz Scale ......................................12
Kanawha Scales & Systems ............9
Western Weighing Technologies ....23
Weigh & Measure for Logistics, Distribution, Process and Manufacturing
Industrial Weigh & Measure 33
Industrial P.O. Box 2247 Hendersonville, TN 37077
PRESRT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 1347