Inventory Management System Pairs Scale and Balance
The Kern FKC Inventory Management System
An accurate inventory management system combining a reference balance and a bulk scale speeds the flow and accuracy of product quantities from the receiving dock through inventory control and outbound shipments. The high resolution Kern FKC stocktaking counting system, available from Tovatech, quickly calculates stock quantities, which can be transferred to a PC for record keeping. A barcode scanner can be integrated with the stock keeping system to reduce errors in stock identification.
The FKC inventory management system combines a KERN KB-N reference balances and a KERN FKA bulk scale.
Inventory Management System Components
1. Reference Quantities
Reference quantities are established with the Kern KB-N reference balance, available in maximum weighing ranges of 120 (KB 120-3N) or 1200 (KB 1200-2N) grams (4.23 or 42.33 ounces) and respective readout of 0.001 and 0.01 g, also representing the minimum piece weight. Individual piece weight is established by weighing a quantity of product – the larger number the better for lightweight items but generally 10 pieces will yield an acceptable calculation. The scale then calculates the weight per piece.
The KB-N is equipped with a backlit LCD screen and is powered by standard 120-volt AC or an optional rechargeable battery pack that operates up to 15 hours (without the backlight).
2. Bulk Quantities
Stock number and piece weight data are transferred via an interconnecting cable from the reference balance to the KERN FKA 60-K4 touchscreen bulk scale with maximum weighing range of 65 kilograms (143 pounds) and readout of 0.2 g (0.01 ounce).
How the Barcode Inventory Management System Works
The FKA stocktaking scale accepts existing inventory data in an Excel list transmitted from a PC. When new shipments are received in the receiving bay stocktaking items while still in their containers can be weighed, counted and stored in the scale memory. Container weight (tare weight) is included in the bar code and is automatically subtracted, yielding the net weight and thereby the number of pieces in the container.
Quantities are transferred to the PC, which generates an updated Excel sheet. This feature minimizes input effort in the receiving area and greatly improves efficiency.
Day-to-day stock levels are quickly determined by connecting the barcode reader to the bulk scale. Here’s how:
- Read the container label in the stockroom
- Place the container on the scale, which discounts the container weight
- The scale calculates the remaining stock level and stores it to memory
- Updated inventory is available as a printout on an Excel sheet
The FKA scale has the capability to store 1000 items in memory including stock number, pre-tare container weight, reference quantity, and reference weight. This unit is powered by standard 120-volt AC, 6 x 1.5 volt batteries or an optional rechargeable battery.
Check this short video for an explanation of the system.
Contact the weighing experts at Tovatech For more information on the Kern inventory management system or other precision weighing products for lab and industrial applications.
