A more comprehensive weighing system or individual scale components?

We find the best weighing solutions for customer’s individual needs

Each customer has individual weighing needs. It is our duty to identify these needs and make the proposal for a best possible solution based on them. If we consider a scale in its most simple form, its basic components are the weighing sensor, the sensor’s mounting kit and the scale terminal. Various connections and outputs are then built around these, based on the system to which the scale will be installed.

Furthermore, there are many factors related to the different sectors, the materials handled or the related system in its entirety that need to be considered when planning the implementation of a weighing system. Customer needs – and thereby our own operations – are also determined by factors such as whether the weighing data produced by the scale is needed for making a trade. In this case, the scale must be verified for commercial use and the components must be approved for this purpose.

Automatic or non-automatic scale?

A traditional, non-automatic weighing is a very straightforward action which only requires a basic weighing device. The object or portion to be weighed is set on the scale, which shows the result that is then noted down. Components for non-automatic scales are available from several suppliers.

An automatic scale, however, sets new requirements for both the components and the scale device itself, and not many Finnish scale suppliers can provide the approved components for these. As the weighing process becomes automatic and the traceability of events plays a larger role, we will manage the entire process, comprising the designing, building, testing and commissioning of the weighing device. In other words: when we manage the entire process, we also need to be in charge of delivering the process in its entirety.

When is it recommended to use separate weighing components?

There are some situations where acquiring the components separately can be recommended. For example, it may not always be in the customer’s best interests to acquire a whole new scale if some parts are worn or need to be replaced or if the devices’ purpose of use or its production needs change. Instead, the scale can be modernised by using the available spare parts and components.

Another example are the subprocesses of an industrial process. For example, a company manufacturing things such as silos or conveyors that needs a scale for the product it delivers to its end customer, will turn to us. In this case, there is no sense in selling a silo to a silo manufacturer. Instead, we focus on designing the weighing solution and choosing the best possible mounting kits and components.

We have experience of different components and expertise from different sectors and in processing different materials, and we want to use our expertise for the benefit of our customers. We do not sell the customers just any and all components. Instead, we consider their future needs in addition to their current ones. We want to ensure that the customer will receive the best possible components that will remain available also in the future.

Kimmo Virtanen from the Logistics team makes sure that our warehouse always has the necessary components.

Clarity and affordability through extensive deliveries

Acquiring scale devices as a whole package – from the design to the commissioning – from one and the same supplier makes questions related to such matters as responsibilities, technical operational security, service and maintenance much clearer. When large procurements are considered, the total price of the investment may seem to be quite high at first, causing people to review other options.

However, it should be kept in mind that processes such as designing, manufacturing and tuning a scale, as well as many other aspects of commissioning one, take a great deal of special expertise. The company would have to use their own human resources for this, and likely also external expertise. When acquiring a weighing system, you should always draw up careful plans and keep in mind that many other factors than just the purchase price have a more profound impact on the success of an investment when it comes to devices with such long life cycles.

System deliveries can be more extensive packages, including not only scales and sensors but also various actuators and automation. The vendor has the responsibility to serve their customer comprehensively, carefully reviewing the weighing solution’s intended purpose of use, the industry’s specifications and demands, the materials being weighed or dosed, the surrounding systems and other factors with potential impact. In the best case scenario, we will be able to offer a solution that the customer did not yet even know they needed.

Initial verification rights to commercial scales expand our service selection

Lahti Precision has the initial verification rights to scales. The initial verification rights to scales means that we have a certificate-proven mandate to verify that the scales or measuring devices delivered comply with their EU type inspection certificates and meet the requirements of the different directives and are thereby suited to commercial use.

We can carry out the initial verification for the smallest scales we manufacture at our factory already before their delivery. The customer only needs to install and commission the scale, saving them the trouble of ordering a separate verification after the installation.
In the case of larger scales, we will come and verify them by using known masses after they have been delivered and installed. The initial verification applies to all the scales we manufacture, whether automatic or non-automatic. Our initial verification rights ensure that we can truly help our customers with a comprehensive one-door service model that covers everything related to scale deliveries.

Make use of our expertise during the investment’s planning stages

Many of our customers know by now to contact us during the early stages of their projects and ask our opinion even before starting the actual planning work. This has allowed us to use our expertise to best benefit our customers.

In addition to buying our expertise, our customers also buy effortless and risk-free services, which is why we choose the best possible and overall most affordable options for our customers. When doing business with us, you can trust us to consider the options from the perspective of your best interests – even if it means a smaller commission for us at the time. We want to be your number one choice also when you start to consider your next weighing or dosing device investment or when you need a service agreement that covers your device’s entire life cycle, for example.

The article was written by Erkki Salo, our Sales Manager of weighing components and spare parts, who also has long experience and a great deal of expertise in extensive weighing or dosing systems.