SiloWeigh.Net is an inventory management and control system that allows an organization to monitor the weight of material in vessels located across a very wide area.  The information can be used to predict when deliveries will be necessary, even if the user is not aware of it, and allow appropriate action to be taken.  For example, deliveries for the next day can be scheduled rather than reacting to urgent phone calls.

The remote units, based on the well proven SiloWeigh system, measure the weight in vessels and makes the results visible throughout a company's network using Internet browser software.  It also transmit the actual quantities at no cost over the internet or, when Internet is not available, the satellite cellular radio network, to the SiloWeigh.Net server.  The readings are stored in an SQL database, allowing data retrieval via a secure Internet site as well as connection to company databases of customers, products, orders etc.  In addition, GPS position data can be transmitted for all sites and all delivery trucks, to display a map showing status of all vessels and all trucks as the basis for an advanced dispatching and tracking system.

Applications:

1. Suppliers who wish to improve dispatching efficiency and customer satisfaction.
2. Production plants that cannot afford to run out of raw materials.
3. Inventory monitoring of outlying plants.
4. Fraud detection.
5. Unmanned reporting from remote sites

Features/benefits:

1. Monitor an unlimited number of vessels.
2. Easy installation and setup.
3. The only weighing system that can handle divided vessels.
4. Industry standard networking: tcp/ip, dialup, lan, wan.
5. Browser based. no extra software required.
6. Local monitoring and alarms available.
7. History tracking.
8. Industry standard SQL database.
9. Accessible by Internet with secure password.
10. Can connect to individual company databases for inventory and shipment dispatching.
11. Optional GIS (geographic information system) interface.

DATA ACQUISITION

Up to 32 vessels in a single location can be connected, via digital transmitters on each vessel, to the data acquisition module, DAQ, which resides inside the SiloWeigh.Net system cabinet.  The module records weight data at programmable intervals from 15 minutes to 8 hours, storing readings for an extended period in non-volatile on-board memory. Also stored are 5 setpoints: emergency low, normal refill level, high level, high usage rate and refill emergency shutdown; an optional output module allows alarm lamps, buzzers or pinch-off valves to be activated. The DAQ module can be accessed by operational, installation and service personnel equipped with a laptop or handheld computer running a separate software application.  This application acts as a web server, allowing other computers on a local area network to access the system through a web browser.  The advantage in this method is the ability to view these displays throughout the company without any special software.

The DAQ module normally transmits its data to the SiloWeigh.Net server when requested.  If one of the setpoints is activated, however, the DQ transmits all available data immediately, allowing the status to be accepted by the host without delay.  In this way, deliveries can be scheduled before the vessel is empty.  It can also be possible to notify a truck filling the vessel that the emergency high level has been exceeded, shutting down the filling operation before the filters are blown out.  If the host database is off line, unsent readings are stored and transmitted when it comes back on line.  Optionally, the system can recognize when a gain in weight is detected, enabling the supplier to identify filling from either its own or a competitor's truck.

ETHERNET BASED NETWORK

Since the DAQ module and locally connected computer appear as an Internet server, computers connected on the same network can access a series of Internet (HTML) pages that show current levels and weights in each vessel as well as giving access to setpoint values and setup/calibration through password protected pages.  If the network is connected to the Internet, data is passed through the Internet to the SiloWeigh.Net server.  This database stores all historical data, which can be displayed in various ways through a separate secure Internet address.

SATELLITE MODEM

When a local Internet connection is not available, the Satellite Data Modem delivers reliable digital data communication virtually anywhere in the world using QUALCOMM's patented CDMA technology and the Globalstar constellation of 48 Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites.  The GSP-1620 Satellite Data Modem can cost-effectively retrieve data automatically from isolated locations.  The SiloWeigh.Net system, when connected to a Satellite Data Modem can monitor remote operations and initiate alert notifications. Alternatively, Iridium service is available.

Because the service is based on IP packet technology, users only pay for the amount of data they send and receive, and not for the amount of time spent online.

SERVER

Web based server - Many users can benefit from a standard database residing on Scale-Tron's server. The client's database is accessible by any web browser (via passwords to ensure total security), enabling the client (cement company) to see all customers' vessel levels and dispatch deliveries accordingly.  End users can see their own silos' status and order directly on-line. Database system maintenance is carried out by Scale-Tron. 

Suitable for clients not wishing to tie up their IT staff or without in-house IT resources.

User-based server - User creates database based on specific needs of the business but including all plants with SiloWeigh.Net installed.  Scale-Tron provides web-based database of vessel data on the SiloWeigh.Net server that can be accessed by the customer, combining data from the two sources.  User maintains his own database system while Scale-Tron maintains web based database. 

Suitable for large clients with resident IT staff.

SILOWEIGH.NET SPECIFICATIONS

Plant data acquisition system - 32 digital vessel transmitter inputs per DAQ, allowing any combination of regular and divided vessels to be monitored simultaneously.

DAQ Data outputs - one Ethernet port, one RS485 serial port.

Local indication - digital display of weight in several choices of units (tons, gallons, liters etc.) for each vessel via PC computer-based browser connected to the Ethernet port.

Remote data transmission - over plant data network and Internet to SiloWeigh.Net server. If plant network not available, over phone modem or satellite modem to server.

Alarms - up to 24 Opto-22 solid state input/output relays, any voltage AC or DC, by choice of appropriate modules.  Alarms can be programmed to be "or'ed" to a single output for sounding an audible alarm, individually enabled for status lamps or as inputs to cancel audible alarms and master reset.  Alternatively, up to 8 inputs can be connected to overpressure switches to give "soft alarm" of impending filter blockages.