Driver self-service terminal: Operational efficiency and cost reduction for truck scales
At 6:43 a.m., the first dump truck pulls up to the scale, and there’s still no one in the weigh station. The driver holds his card up to the reader, selects his job on the touchscreen, weighs the load, and pulls the weigh ticket out of the printer. He didn’t even get out of the truck, nor did he have to wait. A self-service terminal from ESSMANN | Scales & Automation makes your scale operable throughout its entire operating hours and frees up your staff for the tasks that no one can automate.
We’ve been building these terminals for years for entry and exit checks at road vehicle scales and silo scales. We customize the front panel for each location because no two yards are alike.
What Happens at the Terminal
The driver enters the weight measurement himself. Authentication is handled using whatever is already part of your processes: an RFID card, a barcode on the delivery slip, an order number, or a combination of these. The terminal transmits the identifier to the weighing software, which loads the corresponding master data and populates the weighing screen.
After weighing, the terminal continues to guide the process: It assigns the next task to the driver, assists with loading and unloading as well as cargo inspection, and issues the weigh ticket. Upon request, we can include a loading control system so that drivers can load and unload independently.
Together with our license plate recognition , the process is further streamlined because the vehicle is recognized as soon as it enters the lot. The driver then simply confirms.
Designs: Column, Pole, Wall-mounted
The farm decides where the terminal will be located. We offer four installation options:
Mounted on a foundation as a freestanding column. This is a common solution for vehicle scales, often installed in pairs so that the entry and exit lanes can be operated separately.
On a pole, if there is already a traffic light, camera, or lighting crossarm in place and no additional foundation is to be installed.
On the wall, if the terminal is mounted on a building, a hall, or a weigh station.
Indoors, if a container or weigh station can be set up.
Control column HE-MXXL
Our large model. 2.80 m high, with a continuous mounting surface of 310 mm x 2000 mm, accommodating operating heights ranging from passenger cars to truck cabs. The installation depth also accommodates weighing terminals, terminal PCs, video equipment, and intercom stations.
The housing is made of aluminum, and the base is made of stainless steel. The front panel slides out on telescoping rails; the door is plug-in and lockable—maintenance and retrofitting can be performed without dismantling the column. Color according to your specifications.
We’ll assemble the front panel for you
We’ll decide together which devices to place on the front panel, how many, and where to position them. These are the components that are used most frequently.
Touchscreens
10, 12, and 15 inches for the classic column front. For larger sizes, see below.
VOXIO LEGIC RFID Card Reader
We install the VOXIO LEGIC as a flush-mounted version by default; upon request, it can be provided with a housing for surface-mounted installation. The reader confirms successful detection with an audible signal and transmits the data to the terminal via the interface. For drivers who come every day, this is the fastest way to check in.
HE-TG Kiosk-Mounted Printer
Direct thermal printer for weighing slips, compact and with a print speed of up to 120 mm/s. The paper roll holder holds up to 83 m, which extends the time between roll changes. The anti-jam system ensures the ticket is dispensed cleanly even if a driver pulls on it before printing is complete.
HE-GFS Built-In Barcode Scanner
Reads 1D and 2D codes, including barcodes and QR codes. The module is housed in a casing sealed with high-quality resin, making it resistant to moisture and dust in outdoor environments. A visual indicator lets the driver know that the code has been read, which significantly reduces operating errors.
Handsfree telephone
Three modules, up to four call buttons, each assigned a specific phone number. A driver who is stuck simply presses a button and is connected to the right person. The two control contacts can also be used to activate a door opener or another contact directly from the call.
Signature Pad
For a legally valid digital signature on the weigh ticket. This completes the process without the need to return any paper documents to the office.
ESSMANN self-service solutions
Freedom of combination
Control column HE-MXXL
With a height of 2.8 m, the control column for our driver self-service terminal offers a large installation area of 310 mm x 2000 mm that can be individually fitted throughout, making it suitable for all vehicles from cars to trucks. The large installation depth creates a universal platform for all customer-specific installations, such as weighing terminals, terminal PCs, printers, card and/or barcode readers, hands-free telephones, video surveillance and more. The control column is made of aluminum (housing) and stainless steel (base) and is designed for durability. The front consists of a front panel that can be extended on telescopic rails and a plug-in door, whereby the opening is secured by a lock. The control column is available in different colors.
RFID card reader
VOXIO LEGIC
Our RFID reader VOXIO is supplied as a built-in version as standard. Thanks to the optional housing, the reader can also be used as a surface-mounted reader. If a data carrier is held in the field of the reader, the defined data content is read and a short acoustic signal confirms the successful reading. The data is converted into an interface format and transmitted to the higher-level input terminal or computer system via the interface.
Kiosk printer
HE-TG
Extremely fast ticket dispenser (e.g. up to 120 mm/s) for different paper formats (e.g. paper width 60 mm). The HE-TG direct thermal printer is ultra-compact and easy to install. Thanks to the exclusive jam protection system, the ticket is always issued directly to the user. Thanks to the innovative paper roll holder, paper up to 83m long can be inserted and the printer can be adapted to the mechanical and space requirements. The HE-TG printer is the ideal solution for our HE self-service terminals.
Handsfree telephone
The industry standard consists of three modules with up to four call buttons for connection to a telephone system. The call button can be assigned a fixed call number that is dialed when the button is pressed. A door opener connected to a control contact of the hands-free telephone can be confirmed by entering a code number from the inside (on the called party’s telephone). The telephone has two such control contacts and can be used for any purpose. It is installed ready for connection in our self-service terminal or in an optimally available pedestal.
Built-in barcode scanner
HE-GFS
Our barcode reader for installation in our self-service terminals can read common 1D (barcodes) and 2D (QR) codes. The data is converted into an interface format and transmitted to the higher-level input terminal or computer system via the interface. To guarantee reliable scanning performance, the module is housed in a housing sealed with high-grade resin, making it compliant with industrial standards. The reader features patented technology that visually indicates successful code capture to the user, minimizing errors by the driver during self-service.
Application examples
Scale builder tip: Peripherals
We have the right components for each individual application, which ideally complement the use for driver self-service and weighing personnel and can make work on the scales safer.
Let our experts advise you on further expansion and automation options.
