When working with large quantities of small components, it can be hard to keep track of inventory. And the last thing you want to do is spend precious time counting every individual screw in a box. This is where industrial counting scales come in handy.

If you don’t already have a counting scale, you might not know what exactly they are or how they work. Here’s everything you need to know about counting scales so you can decide if they’re the right fit for your business.

What Is a Counting Scale?

Counting scales are designed to make your life easier and keep operations running smoothly. Other scales simply provide you with weighing data, but a counting scale uses the weighing data to calculate how many items you have. With this type of scale, you don’t have to worry about the tedious, time-consuming task of counting parts or pieces manually.

How Do Counting Scales Work?

Counting scales take the weight of a single item and compare it to the weight of a container filled with those items to “count” how many you have. To do this, a sample weight is collected by weighing a known number of the items to calculate an average. If you already have a sample weight, you can manually enter it. Then, the total weight is divided by the sample weight to give you the total number of items.

For example, if you have bolts that are 3 grams each, 3 grams is the sample weight. If you weigh a box of bolts and the total weight comes out to 90 grams, the counting scale will calculate that you have 30 bolts.

While 30 bolts might not seem too bad to count yourself, just think about having to do that over and over and over again as you fulfill orders! Or, you might have to count hundreds of parts, which is time-consuming and leaves more room for human error. Plus, many counting scales report directly to your ERP, so you don’t have to worry about entering data by hand.

Counting Scale Accuracy

Accurate weighing data is crucial, especially when it’s used for counting inventory. Counting scales work best and are most accurate if you have parts with a uniform weight. You wouldn’t be able to weigh a box containing different types of screws and expect an accurate count.

Even two of the same screw can vary in weight to some degree. One might weigh 0.355g, and the other might weigh 0.357g. You need a scale that can pick up on this difference. UniFide CST carries counting scales with readability up to 0.001g, like the Miller Toledo ICS445 Advanced Compact Scale.

Since items can vary slightly in weight, you don’t want to use just one item to determine your sample weight. Using a larger sample can help you get a more accurate average.

Common Uses for Industrial Counting Scales

An inventory counting scale can be useful for a wide range of applications. Some great uses for counting scales include:

  • Tracking inventory so you can know how much you have in stock and when to reorder. It can also help you discover potential waste or see where your highest costs are.
  • Checking incoming goods to ensure you are receiving the correct amount of product from your vendors.
  • Counting orders to be shipped to ensure customer satisfaction and avoid sending customers more product than they paid for.
  • Counting production output with high accuracy so you know your production levels and whether your goals are being met.
  • Quality control to catch products that might have cavities or missing pieces.

Streamline Inventory Management with a Counting Scale from UniFide CST

Take your counting and weighing processes to the next level. With UniFide CST on your side, you can find high-quality industrial scales, including counting scales. Our experienced team can help you find the perfect scale for your unique needs, ensuring accurate and efficient counting every time.

We’re also here for you after your purchase with our counting scale services like short- and long-term rentals, repairs, and calibrations. Contact us today to learn about our scales and services and get a quote.