Calculating and Eliminating Weighment Loss
Whenever weight is used to determine the revenue gained from sale of a product, inaccurate weight readings can pose a big problem. Weighment loss is the lost profit caused by inaccurate readings of weighment transactions. Though these losses may start small, they build up over time to cause big headaches. Thankfully, we have some helpful tips for identifying causes of weighing inaccuracy and remedying them before profit losses accumulate!
Weighment loss can be caused by a number of factors:
- Continual wear on both the weighing platform and the electronic components of the weighing equipment can begin to reduce reading accuracy.
- Using inaccurate stored tare weights affects the calculation of the product weight.
- Environmental effects, including the buildup of mud, ice, or snow under or between the pit and scale platform are a concern if using outdoor scales.
- Using division sizes or weighing increments that are too large reduces the accuracy of the readings.
Tools are available to estimate potential revenue loss caused by common scale issues. For example, Fairbanks offers a tool that can show potential revenue loss by even very minimal inaccuracies.
The good news is that weighing inaccuracies and resulting weighment loss can be identified and corrected before profit losses accumulate. In some cases, scale users notice an inaccuracy, especially if it is not in their favor. Having a known weight on a scale, such as a loader or yard tractor, provides some idea of potential weighment loss. In other cases, scale service technicians may be the first to identify weighing inaccuracies during routine or unplanned maintenance.
The best approach to discovering weighing inaccuracies, identifying specific causes, and preventing extensive weighment loss, is to call in an expert service technician to inspect the physical weighing platform and components, and to regularly compare current calibrated values with those previously certified. Some equipment will even alert the user when a scale is ready for a maintenance review. Finally, it is important to use the appropriate scale for the job to ensure accurate readings.
Contact Fairbanks today if you need help determining whether your current scale is right for your weighing needs, to schedule an appointment with an expert service technician, or if you suspect that weighing inaccuracies are cutting into your profits.