Computer networks worldwide use the leading cabling standard Ethernet and the uniform protocol standard TCP/IP. Computers, servers, printers and routers are already integrated into such a network. Most buildings today already have complete Ethernet cabling. So why not integrate the scales and their peripherals directly into the network?

This is now very easy to do with our network adapter for the EWS system weighing indicator. You connect the system weighing indicator to the network adapter, which you address via the network. The network ensures that the system weighing indicator can be accessed from any computer. The network adapter also ensures that you can operate this device from your computer as if it were connected locally. Any number of scales can be easily accessed via the Ethernet network.

This technology opens up unimagined possibilities for scale control and operation. At the moment, operating the scale(s) via the Internet or a WAP cell phone is certainly still a relatively expensive application, but certainly within the realms of feasibility.

Some of the applications we have implemented in recent months based on this technology are presented below:

Manuli Stretch Deutschland GmbH, Schkopau

Task
We supplied 5 truck scales for the dispatch area. These scales were to be operated from a computer. Due to the large premises, our customer planned a connection via an RS485 bus system.

Solution
We suggested integrating the scales into the existing network. We supplied 5 network adapters for the EWS system weighing indicators, which were integrated into the existing network using patch cables. A personal computer with the EWP software was integrated into the network to operate the scales. The desired scale can be selected before weighing is carried out. The total installation time was 3 hours.

Benefits
Additional expensive cabling is no longer necessary and is therefore saved. Maintenance of the system is easy for the customer, as familiar and existing technology was used. Very fast installation reduced costs to a minimum.

neuland beton, Hamburg

Task
A truck scale supplied by us was to be integrated into a merchandise management system on a newly acquired IBM AS/400 computer system. The truck scales are located several hundred meters away from the office building. Driver self-service was also to be made possible. At the same time, the entire plant was equipped with one of the most modern network technologies, which is even used for telephone calls. Naturally, this network was also to be used for the scales connection.

Solution
In the solution offered and implemented, the existing IBM AS/400 with the integrated PC server (IPCS) and the PCs serving as workstations represent an important part. We created and connected the data storage areas and supported the customer with the installation of Windows NT Server on the IPCS. Together we checked the functionality of the installed components. The system weighing indicator EWS with the network adapter and the network-compatible card reader were connected directly to the IPCS via the fiber optic cable. The EWP software was installed on the IPCS and the workstations in the administration and scheduling departments. The driver can operate the EWP software remotely via the card reader, with constant monitoring of the weighing processes taking place at the workstations. The EWP database is located in the part of the hard disk on the AS/400 that can be accessed via the IPCS. Data is exchanged with the ERP system between the AS/400 and the NT server using our software module III – EWP Transfer. The installation time was 2 days.

Benefits
The costs for the solution could be kept very low, as only existing and known technology was integrated. The Windows NT server is integrated quickly and easily on the IPCS of the AS/400 system. The competent implementation of the installation by our service specialists provided additional knowledge transfer to our customer’s network managers.

Poly-Beek-Kunststoff-Handels-GmbH, Großefehn

Task
A new truck scale was to be purchased for the recycling company and operated via a PC, which was to be installed in an office building approx. 250 m away. A driver self-service system is to relieve the office staff.

Solution
A truck scale from the HE-WS series with EWS system weighing indicator, card reader and PC system including our EWP software was used. To ensure visibility of the weighbridge, a network camera (web cam) with integrated web server is also used. All peripheral devices are integrated into the existing network via fiber optic cables. Operation and monitoring is carried out on the personal computer in the office.

Benefits
All devices are based on connection technology, making the system very easy to maintain. By using the network camera, there is no need for an additional camera system with its own cabling. The user is able to view, record and save snapshots on the existing PC via the usual WWW browser.