Precision Weighing and Scale Capacity

Retailers value scales that are precise and high capacity. Unfortunately, many scales cannot do both. This is typically due to the limitations of a scale’s resolution, or the smallest increment of change a scale can detect.

More precise scales could have resolutions as small as 0.005 pounds. This is ideal for products such as deli meats or cheeses. But precise scales often have a low capacity which makes it difficult to weigh heavy grains or produce.

Scales with a greater capacity can be ideal for weighing bulkier products. However, these scales frequently lack precision with resolutions around 0.01 pounds, and small products cannot be precisely weighed.

Scales that work in this manner are considered single-range scales, meaning the scales use one resolution. This leaves retailers in a tough spot to decide if it’s worth sacrificing precision or capacity. However, there’s a much better fit for retail spaces.

The Difference Between Dual- and Single-range Weighing

Dual-range weighing can be the best of both worlds. For example, a dual-range scale could be configured to display weight at a resolution of 0.005 pounds for products up to 15 pounds and automatically switch to read at 0.01 pounds for heavier products up to 30 pounds. It offers precision and heavy capacity, which can cut costs for retailers.

Dual-range Weighing Saves when Taring

Businesses are required to tare wax paper when weighing products for sale. For a single-range scale with a resolution of 0.01, operators are still required to tare the wax paper, even though the scale will subtract 0.1 from the total weight, since that’s the smallest resolution it can handle. This means that for every product weighed with the wax paper tared, retailers are losing money.

However, if a retail space has dual-range weighing, operators could change the resolution to 0.005 pounds, and the scale would subtract 0.005 from each product weighed. Companies would save 5 thousandths of a pound on every transaction.

Programming a finer tare weight with dual-range technology would save $0.05 for every transaction. Multiplied by 200 daily transactions, the extra $0.05 equals $10. Over the course of a year, that’s $3,650 thrown away without dual-range weighing. The table below illustrates this scenario.

Finding the Right Scale for Retail

If dual-range weighing is the right choice for your retail environment, Rice Lake Weighing Systems partners with Ishida to offer a line of retail scales for the task. Ishida’s retail scales are user-friendly and easy to clean— the perfect addition to any retail store. With video functions and label printing, content can always be personalized to a brand. Speak with an expert today to find out more.